| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Vienna Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Vienna Mountain Road, Rugged Hill Road, unnamed trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 14, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The end of Vienna Mountain Road is closed during mud season. The is room to park on the side of the road at the barricade. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Few unbridged crossings, but numerous muddy areas. All were passable without too much difficulty. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The route we took was mostly clear, except for some minor blowdowns. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Our dog had a great time! |
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 | Bugs: |
Deer ticks are out |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Vienna Mountain is one of my go-to hikes this time of year, and it certainly didn't disappoint today! Instead of the typical short out and back to the summit along Vienna Mountain Road, we opted to try a longer loop, which wrapped around the back side of the mountain. From the mud season barricade on Vienna Mountain Road, we walked back down the road a bit to the aptly named Rugged Hill Road. We followed this rough, unmaintained road up the side of McGaffey Mountain, to a T-junction in the saddle between McGaffey and Vienna Mountains.
We turned left at the T, and followed the old woods road around the back side of Vienna Mountain, following a contour for much of the way. During this segment, we also passed by a pretty pond in the bowl between McGaffey, Vienna, & Round Top Mountains.
As we rounded the north side of the mountain, we began to climb up to the trail junction at the northwest corner of the blueberry barrens. We then followed the typical route through the barrens, which was absolutely beautiful on this clear day. Mount Washington and the Presidentials were clearly visible, however Katahdin was hidden in clouds. After traversing the ridge, we descended to our car via the regular Vienna Mountain Road approach.
As expected, the trails were muddy, especially on the back side of Vienna, but they were all very passable and not as muddy as I've seen them previously. The only snow left was in small patches, and was not an issue. It's also worth noting that the deer ticks are out and about, so be sure to check extra well after hikes! This was a great alternative approach to Vienna Mountain, and I always enjoy exploring the trails in the interior of Kennebec Highlands Public Land. |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-04-14 |
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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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