Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mars Hill, ME |
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| Trails: |
Ski trails, International Appalachian Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 11, 2017 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Big Rock ski area. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
After skiing the afternoon at Big Rock, I inquired with ski patrol about snowshoeing up. They were very friendly and suggested I take the old Poma lift line (labelled on the trail map as a snowmobile access trail). I ascended that, then the top of a ski trail above it, then took the IAT/SIA along the ridge and to the summit. Still full snowpack everywhere, perhaps one to three feet, with an ice crust on top. Unfortunately the views were a bit obscured by the weather. The wind turbines certainly detract from what would otherwise be an amazing mountain, as it's situated on the Canadian border and is surrounded by flat terrain. A description I read suggested there are views in all directions, but that did not appear to be the case. Nevertheless, views can be obtained in most directions if one drops down to the plowed wind turbine road (which runs somewhat parallel to the IAT on the ridge) or meanders around the peak.
Very cold afternoon with windchills in the negative 20s. |
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| Name: |
rocket21 |
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| E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-03-12 |
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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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