Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Abraham, Spaulding Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, ME |
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| Trails: |
Appalachian Trail, Sugarloaf Side Trail, Spaulding Side Trail, Abraham Side Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Monday, October 16, 2023 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
My Mazda3 made it down Caribou Valley Road with no problem. Lots of potholes, and a couple of deep culverts, but some careful driving will do the trick. I did not bottom out at all. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Carrabassett River was easily crossable this morning, but the river rose 3 feet or so while I was hiking. The water was flowing rapidly over the plank used for crossing, and the crossing was dangerous, unadvisable, and nearly impossible, though I did scamper across the plank while nearly having an adrenaline-induced heart attack. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Drainage is terrible a mile or so in each direction around the side trail to Sugarloaf and in sections from there to Spaulding lean-to. Deep standing water in many places that is unavoidable. Some areas where drainage could easily be dug, other areas where the trail is just the low point, so not much to be done. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
An out-and-back from Caribou Valley Road on the AT to bag these three peaks that I missed when I thru-hiked in ‘20. This is a tough section of trail, and with constant rain in the cold and no views, it was even tougher. The crossing of the Carrabassett was fine this morning and problematic in the afternoon after all of the rain. I almost decided not to cross at the plank and find another crossing downstream. Water was pouring over the plank, 3 feet higher than when I crossed it 8 hours earlier. Water everywhere on the trail. Tight vegetation on the trail soaked me. But this seemed like the best path to bag all of the peaks on one trip, and I’d probably do it again, just in better weather next time.
One high-point of the day, the ski-patrol hut remains unlocked with heat, was very nice on such a cold, wet day to be able to warm up a bit before my descent. Thank you Sugarloaf! |
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| Name: |
Jonathan Cable |
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| E-Mail: |
joncablenyc@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-16 |
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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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