| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Snow Mountain (Chain of Ponds), ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Snow Mountain Road, herd path, logging roads |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, September 15, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked and slept the night at 5mi in from rt27, backed into a lot where perhaps 3-4 cars could fit; most cars could drive further on toward the logging landing but as the road became rougher with larger rocks emerging from the roadbed, my sedan was just fine with the 5mi drive in. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Bridged along the old roads, minimal crossings along the herd path |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All in good shape, not a maintained trail anyhow, a few step-over downed trees, easily manageable |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Did not see anyone, dogs should be fine on this pathway, just keep them on the trail and not trampling the lovely moss which lines the trail in most places |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Very pleasant morning ascent, unfortunately the summit area was capped with a low cloud in the cool morning air, feels like autumn is in the air in Maine! Some leaves are beginning to change as well. Very nice trek along ATV paths and old access roads, nicely bridged over waterways. Cairns mark the way anytime the suggested herd path meanders from the wider pathway. A sign with an arrow alongside several large rock cairns actually marks the start of the herd path up Snow Mtn, easy to follow and nice to get off the grassy/brushy access road. Stunning herd path, nice and narrow, easy to follow. The path ascends one steep patch, not entirely dissimilar to a chimney but not quite to that degree of scrambly, just a quick, steep ascent before the trail proceeds at an easy grade upslope.
A lookout is offered shortly before the actual summit, unfortunately the view was restricted with low-hanging morning clouds but I can imagine the vista is grand! A short distance beyond brings hikers to the remains of the old cabin, on a nearby tree is located a bird nest box? Kept shut by a bungee cord, a notebook with pens/pencils can be found inside. The notebook was full and I did not have an extra in my pack - feel free to bring a new book! :)
No point in climbing the old fire tower remains today as the peak was socked in and pre-hurricane Lee winds were beginning to intensify. Beautiful trail to descend, soft footing with a stable treadway - I was in awe at the lack of erosion, typical of standard White Mountain trails these days, these remote Maine peaks were a pleasure to explore. |
|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-17 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com |
|
|
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. |
|
