| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Turner Mountain , ME |
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 | Trails: |
Russell Pond Trail, Sandy Stream Pond Trail, South Turner Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
$16 for a day pass for non residents. $42 for a season pass. All roads in the park tend to be bumpy and potholed at times but kept in good enough condition for low clearance cars. They were regrading part of Roaring Brook Rd on my way in and out. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All three trails were blazed in light blue that I believe was usually faded. South Turner Trail is also marked with cairns above treeline. I’d note that with keeping an eye out for markings, I didn’t find it too hard to stay on or near the trail on the ascent but I found it very easy to get off trail on the descent. I do not recall any blowdowns. Trail signs were intact and the three side trails along Sandy Stream Pond Trail were all signed. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs are not allowed in BSP. |
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 | Bugs: |
I don’t remember them being bad. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
1st hike of the day on my fifth and final day in BSP. The first two trails are obviously flat and east as they go by the ponds. Although the three spurs along the way are not technically needed for redlining, they are signed, easy to find, and worth your while. It seems that these are attractive destinations within themselves for people out for a stroll in the park. South Turner Trail although it doesn’t immediately become steep, does become rather rough with lots of boulders and such soon after it diverges right from Sandy Stream Pond Trail. And, not too long after, it becomes steep too ;P The spur to the spring isn’t needed for redlining technically but if you’ll feel guilty about not getting it, note that it is just below the 2400ft contour line on Gaia and about 0.8mi from where the trail leaves Sandy Stream Pond Trail. It is not signed and wouldn’t be all that hard to walk by.
I don’t remember ground conditions very well but I’d assume the trail had the requisite very muddy spots. Steep for much of the way but I think the only scrambling was above treeline and was pretty easy. That being said, I found it very easy to get off trail coming off the summit. Watch for weird turns. Great views and only saw a handful of others on the trail only a couple of which made it to the summit. Had the cool and windy summit to myself :) Gaia had me at about 4mi and almost 1600ft of gain, both a bit less than the guidebook suggests but that’s Gaia for ya. Took me just shy of 2.5hrs. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-08-22 |
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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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