| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Baldpate Mountain - West Peak, Baldpate Mountain - East Peak, Table Rock, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Appalachian Trail, Table Rock Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room in the large lot off route 26 at 9:00AM.
This is a fee lot (honor system) unless you are a Maine resident 65 years or older.
Outhouse available. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
One small brook near the trailhead is crossed on a two-board bridge. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in great condition. The only tree falls are on the ground or near the ground except for one hardwood at about 4' above ground in the pathway. This 6" diameter tree can be walked over easily to the side of the trail.
Lots of rock steps especially on the steep ascent up West Baldpate after the Baldpate Lean-to.
Some iron rungs in the ledges on the Table Rock Trail.
I didn't see a trail sign at the Table Rock junction with the short side trail up to Table Rock. When exiting Table Rock turn right on the Table Rock Trail to descend to the lower junction with the AT or turn left to go to the upper junction with the AT. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs may have difficulties with the steep rocky trail up to Table Rock.
Dog must be comfortable on ledges to get to Baldpate East Peak. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The bog bridges down low were of unusual construction. It appeared to be a pair of dimensional lumber (6" x 4" or 6" x 6") set on ties. It was solid but a bit narrower than the bog bridges in the White Mountains.
The AT up to the Baldpate Lean-to is easy going. Thereafter the trail is very steep, but the footing is good on the many series of rock steps. The steps are never high stepping so the climb is comfortable. There are some low angled ledges in this section that were mostly dry today.
The top of West Peak is treed but there is a good ledge just to the east of the summit where one can view the rocky ledges of East Peak and Umbagog Lake.
The hike over to East Peak is a delight with many open ledges and an alpine feel. The ledges on East Peak would be miserable if wet and dangerous if icy. Not a problem today. I hiked up the ledges using the cairns as a general guide while looking for the optimum path over the layered granite slabs. Be careful not to step on the alpine vegetation.
The top has signs for the AT and the Grafton Loop Trail. Sweeping vistas at the summit including a striking view of the skyline profile of the Kilkenny Range to the southwest. Mt Washington can be seen to the south to the left of Old Speck. One can also see the bare rock of Sunday River Whitecap. To the north one can view Elephant Mountain and Richardson Lake. The Maine NW 4,000 foot peaks were hidden in the clods.
On descent, I walked over to Table Rock for an excellent view over Grafton Notch. The descent down the Table Rock trail was steep and rough in places with some rock steps. There was one place to squeeze through a narrow opening in the rocks (can be bypassed). I looked in to the slab cave but did not enter. The orange blazing was adequate to stay on the trail although some were faded. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-09-07 |
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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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