| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Katahdin - Baxter Peak, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Abol Trail, Hunt Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking with an alpine start |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Brought my dogs collar up there so she could experience it. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A FINE morning in the forest was had. Initial clicking of many new trail conditions for the 2026-2027 season. Left at 2:50am to get up for celestial dawn. Winds extremely spicy above 2500' from day before. Above 4000 snow, ice, rime ice enter along alpine section of Abol Trail. Upon attaining the Table Lands, rime ice, snow, and ice completely covered virtually all surfaces. Winds as mentioned extremely spicy, gusts would give you a boost if you weren't planted. Still was "warm" ish at about 30F before chills. Navigation was a bit challenging but I have done this trail many times in the dark. Spikes on at Thoreau Springs to same point upon return. Treated to a very beautiful and colorful sunrise. Windbreak at summit cairn was clutch, but a bit nerve wracking with almost all layers and gear needed to attain summit. What will be a normal day in February is a bit exhilarating now as my blood is not motor oil and I'm not used to the cold yet. Several turn backs, I also never understand how people are not stopped by a ranger for not carrying a pack - especially given the conditions. Very short summit window, rained after this off and on all day. Back at camp by 9 and curled up in front of the wood stove for the rest of the day |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-10 |
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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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