| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bigelow Mountain - West Peak, Bigelow Mountain - Avery Peak, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Firewardens Trail, Bigelow Range Trail, Horns Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the beginning of Stratton Brook Pond Road has two traffic control alert signs. Logging operations are occurring in the area. No activity today. The road is in reasonably good condition with a few shallow dips. The parking area is located by the trail kiosk. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Stratton Brook is crossed on a bridge.
Other streams had strong flows for this time of year. Fortunately, there are plenty of rocks to facilitate the crossing of these streams. The crossings were not difficult. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The MATC is doing a good job in maintaining the trails. Many rock steps to improve the footing. Scree walls in the alpine area to help guide hikers from stepping on the vegetation.
There is a large evergreen across the Fire Warden's Trail soon after the crossing of Stratton Brook. The tree can be straddled.
There is a large tree fall on the upper east side of South Horn on the AT. A path is wearing in that goes around this blow down.
The most difficult tree fall are two trees fallen across the upper section of the Horns Pond Trail. I ended up stepping up on to both trees to go over the obstacle.
There are lots of rock water bars on the Horns Pond Trail. It appears these diversion ditches have been effective.
Some of the log bog bridges are deteriorating on the lower part of the Fire Warden's Trail. However, there are enough good bridge sections to effectively traverse the wet areas. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Make sure the dogs stay on the trail in the alpine zone. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Water running down the Fire Warden's Trail above Moose Falls tent site. This is much more water on the trail than I have experienced on five previous climbs. The recent excessive rainfall has caused this condition. This makes for slippery footing especially on descent. I saw one guy fall on the wet rock. Luckily his pack bore the brunt of the fall.
I prefer ascending via the Fire Warden's Trail that has a steep grade leading up to Bigelow Col and descending on the AT and Horns Pond trails. The AT from South Horn to Horns Pond has good footing and no water running on the trail. The Horns Pond Trail has less steep grades and generally dry surfaces. Most of the AT on the ridge had dry surfaces except for low spots that had some mud.
Great views from many spots especially in the open summit areas. I especially like the views to Flagstaff Lake.
Lots of hikers out today including AT thru hikers and section hikers. There were many campers at Myron Avery campsite and Moose Falls campsite. I didn't see anyone around the Horns Pond campsite. There was an Outward Bound group. Met hikers from UK, Germany, New Mexico, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, NY, Quebec, MA, RI, NH, and ME.
Saw yellow coral fungi and many brightly colored mushrooms. Saw many berries; Bunchberry, Hobblebush, Cranberries, and Blue Bead Lily. Many asters in bloom. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-08-11 |
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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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