Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Speckled Mountain, Bald Mountain, ME |
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| Trails: |
Bald Mountain Trail, unofficial trail, abandoned trail, logging roads, Speckled Mountain Pasture Trail, Speckled Mountain Trail, Bald Mountain Loop |
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| Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the new parking lot |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
All could be hopped without much issue |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Speckled Mountain Pasture Trail was clear, but heavily eroded by dirt bikes. Other official trails were well cleared and marked |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
None |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Whenever possible I like to make hikes into loops, so today's mission was to make a loop out of Speckled & Bald Mountains in Peru & Woodstock. We started up the Bald Mountain Trail from the Little Concord Pond State Park parking lot towards Little Concord Pond. Upon reaching the pond, we took the unofficial trail clockwise along the south shore of the pond. Little Concord Pond is such a peaceful and beautiful place every time I visit!
On the far side of the pond, we turned left away from the pond onto an abandoned trail which was likely a snowmobile trail at one point. This undulating trail eventually brought us out on the logging road which runs to the north of Speckled Mountain. Along this road we ran into some moose hunters, who were the only other people we saw until we were descending Speckled.
Upon reaching the Speckled Mountain Pasture Trail, we turned right onto this trail which climbs steeply to the ridgeline. Unfortunately, this section of trail has been heavily damaged by dirt bikes. After reaching the ridge, we were treated to many great viewpoints as we followed the trail to the summit.
After about an hour on the summit, we followed the Speckled Mountain Trail to Bald Mountain, where there were more great views, and more people. From Bald, it was an easy descent back to the parking lot. |
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| Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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| E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-10-12 |
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| Link: |
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2395652547243792/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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