Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. OJI, Mt. Coe, South Brother, North Brother, Fort Mountain, Mt. Katahdin - Hamlin Peak, Mt. Katahdin - Baxter Peak, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Mt. OJI trail, OJI Link Trail, Mt. Coe Trail, Marston Trail, herd path, bushwhack, Northwest Basin Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail, Saddle Trail, Hunt Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, June 29, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The Park roads were in great shape in spite of the recent heavy rains |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Most of the crossings were easy. Wassataquoik was challenging, but offered many options for crossing. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trails in Baxter are much narrower with infringing branches. In the Whites these would be noted as needing maintenance. The trails have a much less travelled feel which I enjoyed despite the constant car washing. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Not allowed in BSP |
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 | Bugs: |
Bugs were surprisingly light, though lingering for long was not a good idea |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Everything in BSP was wet. Ponds, puddles, streams, trails, etc. Most of the trails were in surprisingly good shape. There were a few bad ponding spots and several sections on NW Basin tr were completely under six inches of flowing water. Everywhere there were temporary cascades and falls, and all the waterways were full and exuberant. The herd path to Fort is easily followed by watching the footbed.
I realized that by bushwacking off Fort I could link onto NW Basin Tr to make a loop. The several miles on the map were much more challenging in real life, and took me hours to cover. The crossing of Wassataquouk had me nervous all morning. As I approached I could hear it roaring. Luckily it is very rocky and I was able to link up some large rocks and some blowdowns to get across it. The NW Basin trail is beautiful on its approach to Cowles Lake with cascades and falls paralleling it. Descent from Baxter Peak was made more difficult by the driving rain and hail. Half an hour of lightning kept my heart rate high.
Hunt tr was not a good choice for descending, but got me back to my bicycle spot to complete the loop. The thunderstorm moved through quickly and I got some great views back across to The Brothers et al. I will have to get back to Baxter in better weather so I can take in the views. A great hike! |
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 | Name: |
Wayne |
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 | E-Mail: |
Pfwayne@hotmail.com |
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 | Date Submitted: |
2013-06-30 |
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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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