| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Tunk Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Tunk Mountain Trail, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, September 18, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large lot off Route 182 east of Franklin |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Minor at current levels. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Herd path the last 2/10ths to the summit is vague in places due to blowdowns. Could use some more blazes and/or signs at junctions prior to then. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Minimal |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trail was mostly dry. Lots of work has been done on it since the last Maine Mountain Guide, including eliminating the ropes (looks like by reroutes, rock steps, and iron rungs). Phone GPSed it at 1.63 miles to the ledges (where the trail suddenly turns north and goes to a large ledge) and then .18 miles via herd path to the highpoint.
Nice gradual trail at first, passing by the shores of Salmon and Mud ponds. Apparently a 1 mile side trail goes out to another pond or two.
Some steeper ledges higher up that could pose an issue in wet or icy conditions. Perhaps the best views are where the blue trail take a sharp right turn (views open up if you descend slightly to the left; blue trail leads another tenth or so to a northern crag with dramatic views ruined by a wind farm).
The herd path to the summit is occasionally blazed in red (boundary markers perhaps?) and occasionally has flagging tape. Compared to the views just prior to its start, it's a bit anti climatic, but nonetheless has good views south. I suspect a short bushwhack to the south and/or west would result in really good views as well.
Overall, a neat trail and peak. The peaks in this vicinity warrant further exploration (have visited this and Schoodic thus far and both are great). |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2015-09-19 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
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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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