| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Peak, Sargent Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, Cedar Swamp Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Hadlock Brook Trail, Bald Peak Trail, Parkman Mountain Trail, Grandgent Trail, Sargent Mountain South Ridge Trail, Penobscot Mountain Trail, Cedar Swamp Mountain Spur, herd path, Amphitheatre Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, May 30, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the roadside parking area for Goat Trail/Norumbega Mtn across the street from the start of Hadlock Brook Trail. By 10:15am when I arrived, it had overflowed and some cars had parked roadside but I was able to find a spot. Not as crazy busy as the other trails on the island and not as busy as I would’ve thought for Memorial Day. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A few very small water crossings on Hadlock Brook Trail and in the small cols between the peaks. Also very easily rock hopable. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Almost all trails in the park seem to be blazed in blue. Some blue flagging in between some of the peaks where there wasn’t much blazing (mainly between Bald and Parkman I believe). Blazing wasn’t great above tree line. Trails generally marked with cairns above treeline but could still be a bit difficult to follow. I think there may have been a leaner/widow maker somewhere but I forget where. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Some may struggle with the scrambling involved. I saw one or two. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitos out but not that bad. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
First hike of the day. A nice loop hike with two out-and-backs. I tried to follow the loop described in the MMG under the suggested hikes section: Hadlock Brook Trail —> Bald Peak Trail —> Parkman Mtn Trail to summit —> Grandgent Trail to Sargent Mtn —> Sargent Mtn South Ridge Trail —> out-and-back on Penobscot Mtn Trail to Penobscot Mtn —> Sargent Mtn South Ridge Trail —> out-and-back to Cedar Swamp Mtn and herd path to planet crash —> Ampitheatre Trail —> left on Hadlock Brook Trail back to car
Gaia had me at about 6mi with just over 1500ft of gain. Took me 3.75hrs. If I did the loop as the guidebook described (which I tried to do) then this is an underestimation. These trails, especially between the peaks, felt more remote and rugged than the other trails I’ve been on in the park. Totally would’ve believed I was in the White Mtns. That said, any scrambles were pretty easy. More mud pits and wet trail here than elsewhere I’ve seen. Some wet rock too but not too slick. Fantastic views and cool to be above tree line for so long and for such little effort. Like a mini presi traverse! A mix of sun and cloud and some wind helped make things pleasant. Nice to chat with a few people others out there. There is a herd path (a few different ones it would seem actually) from the summit of Cedar Swamp Mtn to the remnants of a plane crash almost 0.1mi to the NW. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-05-31 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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