| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Barrell Ridge, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Middle Fowler Pond Trail, Barrel Ridge Spur Trail, Lower Fowler Pond Trail, Fowler Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, August 18, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings bridged or easily crossed, although Middle Fowler Pond outlet required some care |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Middle Fowler Pond Trail needs brushing. It had the carwash effect. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Not a highly recommended hike, although it was a favorite of the BSP South Branch Pond ranger. Middle Fowler Pond Trail was rough with only a few viewpoints. Barrel Ridge, which looked so inviting from North Traveler, was a disappointment for views, with lots of scrubby trees. In addition, it started to pour when we were on the summit. It made for a tricky descent over rock and soaked trails for the duration of our hike. Thankfully the rain stopped after a bit. Middle and Lower Fowler Ponds were pretty. Think the 5 Ponds loop would have been a far better choice than our traverse. Hint: there was a well-defined herd path just east of the Middle Fowler Pond outlet crossing, which we chose not to take to the Lower Fowler Pond Trail, but should have. It parallels the outlet, whereas the Middle Fowler Pond Trail went up and down hills. Hint #2: the trails near the ponds were a bit confusing. Have a good map with you! |
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 | Name: |
Marty |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-08-21 |
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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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