| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Abraham, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Rapid Stream Road, Fire Wardens Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rapid Stream Road is much worse than two years ago. There are many stretchers of the road that resembles a dry stream bed as it is lined with rocks. There are dips in places and a few mud/water pits. There are at least two large rocks protruding quite a bit above ground that may hit the underside of vehicles. Fortunately, one can maneuver around these obstacles. One can't drive more than 10 mph for a lot of Rapid Stream Road unless you have a high clearance vehicle.
The bridge over the first channel of Rapid Stream has been dissembled. One must park on the side of the road before the bridge out and walk about a half mile to the trailhead.
So, the access to the Fire Warden's Trail is a greater challenge than the hike. I won't return for this hike until I see the road has been improved. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The four significant brooks on the Fire Warden's Trail are easily crossed on rocks. The water flow was stronger than I had seen in past summer hikes on this trail. There are numerous small brooks to cross. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail in good condition. I cut a couple of small trees to make passage easier. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
None except a dragon fly at the summit. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The trail and Mt Abraham are splendid. Only the access road was a downer. After crossing the second channel of Rapid Stream on the intact cement bridge, you must turn right on the forest road to get to the trailhead (do not go straight on the other forest road). There is no sign at this junction for Mt Abraham. There is an inconspicuous snowmobile sign for Strong and Rangeley Maine at this junction.
The trail is relatively easy up to the campsite at the former fire warden's cabin site. Thereafter, the trail climbs steeply to the tree line. The footing is good. The upper parts of the trail cross a talus slope with the path bed consisting of many small, orange-tinged rocks (potentially tricky footing on descent). The cairns mark the course of the trail above tree line. The remains of the old fire tower can be seen in a couple of spots near the open summit. There is a 360-degree view including many of the other 4K peaks. There is a great view of the extensive alpine zone if you walk a short way on the open ridge to the southwest from the summit. Had the summit to myself.
Only met three other hikers; a couple from N Andover MA and a local hiker with her dog. The local hiker said the damage to the access road was from the Dec '23 storms.
I was startled by a female spruce grouse in the lower elevation forest. Some sort of raptor with a red/brown/orange back flew just off my shoulder when I was sitting at the summit cairn.
I saw many yellow coral fungi in the woods next to the trail. Saw a clump of Woolly Chanterelle mushrooms. There were mountain cranberry and blueberry (or bilberry) above tree line. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-08-07 |
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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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