| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Spencer (attempt), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Ram Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 20, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Small parking area that was a former log/equipment clearing to the north of the trailhead on EMC Road (on the west/Spencer Pond side). Room for about 3 low clearance cars; 6 high clearance vehicles. In the long grass/small pieces of slash. Road can handle low clearance vehicles if they go slowly to avoid rocks being kicked up. About 25min to Silas Hill Rd. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Rock hopping - two streams. Not an issue in above-average flows |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
2 blowdowns that have been there less than a year that could use some cutting; all prior to the steep section. Some maneuvering to get over. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs are NOT appropriate for this trail in any configuration. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitoes and deer flies buzzing in the first .3 of a mile but not an issue after the first small viewpoint in the woods. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. It was REALLY NICE not to see any green dog poo bags, things that have fallen off of a pack, or discarded items at the trailhead!!!!!! Such a change from NH/Western Maine hikes. |
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 | Comments: |
Easy to follow trail. Some minor mud - no issues really.
THIS TRAIL IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS OR EVEN INTERMEDIATE HIKERS, THOSE WITH A FEAR OF HEIGHTS, THOSE WITH VERTIGO, CHILDREN, OR DOGS.
15-18 year olds would probably be fine on this if they were not beginners. DO NOT WEAR SNEAKERS OR ANYTHING LESS THAN PURPOSE-FOCUSED HIKING FOOTWEAR ON THIS TRAIL.
Turned around just before the chimney. Too many instances of rocks that were still wet, surfaces underneath pine needles or other covering that were still wet but appeared dry, or wet roots. This trail is not erroded away and is not commonly traveled . This is not a clear-walking trail like other commonly-used trails.
The chimney + the very careful footing we needed in the moderately steep (for woods hiking) approach to the chimney elevation starting area made the exertion of the chimney, down the chimney, and then down the slippery areas not the most ideal. We waited for a mid afternoon dry out since it rained at 9am, but this didn't work out. Will try again, hopefully before the colder months.
Climbing gloves, maybe hand chalk, and someone who knows how to use lines are probably best. |
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 | Name: |
Kavinsky |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-08-23 |
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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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