| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Old Speck Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Old Speck Trail, Eyebrow Trail, Mahoosuc Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, May 24, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Good size lot off route 26. It is a fee lot for most hikers except ME residents over 65 or more years old. Outhouse facility. Lot also used for hikes to Table Rock and the Baldpates. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Cascade Brook was easy to cross |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition. I only cut some small trees/branches.
There should be a trail sign visible to hikers ascending via the Eyebrow Trail when arriving at the upper junction with the Old Speck Trail. A couple of hikers descended the Old Speck Trail after they had come up the Eyebrow Trail when they intended to go to Old Speck. I have run into other hikers that have also made this mistake. The Eyebrow trail generally descends at it approaches the junction so further descent is not judged to be errant. The existing signage at the junction is most obvious to hikers on the Old Speck Trail (not the Eyebrow Trail).
A crude rail has been set up at a one log bridge on the sloped ledge on the Old Speck Trail between the Cascade Brook crossing and the first cascade. Last Spring one had to balance on the one log without any railing. The second log at this spot is broken. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. The grade is steep on a part of the Eyebrow Trail. So, owners should assess whether it is appropriate for their dog. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. Good breeze today. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Ascended via the Eyebrow Trail with its cables and metal rungs to assist with balance on the steepest grade section. Great views of Grafton Notch and the surrounding peaks. Comparable to the views of Crawford Notch from Mt Willard or Mt Avalon. Descended all the way on Old Speck Trail to view the cascades. Most of the ledges were dry. There was good traction on the ledges even on the wet surfaces. The ice is confined to one spot and is easily by-passed.
Hobblebush, Red Trillium, and Painted Trillium best seen on the Eyebrow Trail.
Great views from the Eyebrow ledges and from the summit tower. The ladder up the tower is vertical which may discourage some at ascending. The tower was stable is the brisk breeze. The look down to Mahoosuc Notch from the tower is particularly striking.
Mant hikers out today. Most from MW; Rumford, Portland, Yarmouth, Limington, and Boothbay Harbor. Two hikers from Rochester NY and a pair from western NH. Met my first AT thru hiker this year who was heading north. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-05-24 |
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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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