| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sachem Peak, Acteon Ridge (Middle Peak), Bald Knob, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Smarts Brook Trail, bushwhack, Old Waterville Road, Pine Flats Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 14, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty @ Smarts Brook lot @ 8 AM. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Crossings on Smarts Brook Trail were not an issue. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The first uphill pitch of SBT after leaving the lot is pretty well eroded. One tree down on Old Waterville Road maybe .75 mile E of the 4-way junction. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one on PFT near the lot on my way out. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found: a moose shed! |
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 | Comments: |
Some muddy spots on SBT but nothing significant. No other major trail issues on this route.
I saved this one as a foliage hike and today was absolutely perfect for it. On the way up SBT I went off-trail a bit and explored the boggy stream with the beaver hut - just wonderful! Back on trail I climbed to about 2500' and made a line to the ridge NE of Sachem Peak going through mostly easy woods. Once I turned SW hitting the 'slot' I encountered some thickish scrub and some steeps but was then greeted with ledge after ledge of stunning views. The one I ate lunch on had 360* views with fall colors everywhere and a clear line to George and his new white cap. After visiting the actual high point (and more ledges) I made my way to Acteon Peak, picking up a herd path early on and going through easy to easy/moderate woods. It looked like nobody had signed the register there in four months. Heading to Bald Knob I navigated through easy/moderate woods down the slope and then picked up a herd path complete with cairns all the way to that peak where there were some clear and some obstructed viewpoints - but a nice open spot to bask in the sun. I then backtracked to the col and descended NNW until hitting Old Waterville Road - again through mostly easy woods - and had a peaceful autumn walk to and through the Pine Flats Trail where sights and sounds of the gorge never get old.
Other than about 10 people on Pine Flats Trail at the end of my journey I didn't see anyone the entire day. The whole ridge had a certain quietness about it - which I found refreshing and enjoyable. This was a super nice foliage hike...without the leaf peepers :)
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 | Name: |
HMJ |
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 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-10-14 |
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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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