| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Black Mountain (Peru), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Black Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 24, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking at the last house on Black Mountain Road where the plowing ends |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There was only one tiny spring-fed brook that was frozen |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is clear and easy to follow in winter! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great hike for dogs! |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
If anyone has been wanting to hike Black Mountain in Peru, but is daunted by navigating the trail, now is the time to do it! The other times that I have hiked Black Mountain, it was spring after most snow had melted and before the ticks arrived in full force. However, it turns out that it is the perfect winter hike! Although others, especially those who have hiked in during the summer, aren't big fans, I've always had a soft spot for the wild and lightly traveled mountain.
Black Mountain Road is plowed to the last house on it, and from there it is an easy quarter mile walk to the trailhead on a groomed snowmobile trail (which is the road in the summer). At the trailhead, I was surprised to see multiple tracks heading up the trail. There were a pair of ski tracks and tracks from a postholer. The ski tracks ended where the trail leaves the logged area, about 3/4 of the way up, but the postholer continued all the way to the cairn at the end of the trail. If nothing else, you have to admire their determination in destroying the entire trail and not giving up part way.
Snow conditions varied on the ascent, the lower part of the mountain had a crust on the snow, while the top part of the mountain was crust free. Temperatures in the 20s and low 30s were perfect for snowshoeing and the clouds were high enough so that there were great views from every viewpoint. After reaching the end of the trail, we made a loop on the summit plateau, visiting the best viewpoint that I have discovered so far and the tiny pond past the end of the trail. The plateau is such a unique feature of Black Mountain and I always find it a beautiful place to spend time and explore.
The trail is now well packed for snowshoes all the way to its end, and I undid all of the damage caused by the postholer. The going should be easy now and it will also make following the trail super easy. I also broke trail on the bushwhack loop at the top that will take you to the view and pond, although it is not well packed like the trail is. |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-02-24 |
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 | Link: |
 https://Black Mountain (Peru) on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-february-24-2025-c2937f3-4?p=-1&sh=qriocr |
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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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