| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bigelow Mountain - Avery Peak, Bigelow Mountain - West Peak, Bigelow Mountain - South Horn, Bigelow Mountain - North Horn, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Firewarden's Trail, Appalachian Trail, road walk |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 9, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lots of parking at end of Stratton Brook Pond Road. The road itself is in great shape, easily driveable in any vehicle. Take care, though, as the road is narrow and every turn has poor sightlines due to the trees. |
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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: |
All bridged or easily rock-hopped. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails were in really good shape, with evidence of clearing. AT has some brushy areas past Horn's Pond headed south, as does upper portions of Firewarden's Trail. Also lots of broken/nearly useless bog bridges in places, especially on the AT between jct with Ridge Trail and Horn's Pond Trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Pretty much non-existent today, which was amazing. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Fantastic day in the Bigelows, as always. Summited Avery at about 9 AM, and the wind chill was in the 40's. Sat in the foundation on the summit and had a snack, but it was cold and I didn't linger too long. When I got to West, the wind had died some, and the sun was warmer, so I took shelter behind some rocks and it was quite pleasant. Had the summit to myself for quite a while, then pushed on. By the time I summited South Horn it was quite warm, and sheltered from any wind. Really nice. Headed over to North Horn, where I enjoyed views, solitude, and lunch. Met a couple women section hiking down at the pond, then enjoyed more solitude when they headed out. It rained briefly while I watched fish jumping out of the water in Horn's Pond, then cleared out. I had always taken Horn's Pond Trail to complete the loop, but decided to take the AT instead today. Really liked this loop, as there are a couple cool rock scrambles, some mossy enchanted forest areas, and a nice view back down to the pond at an overlook. Thunder rolled halfway down, but nothing came of it. Finally did start raining near the end of my hike, but I was able to stay under trees and never got wet enough to care about putting on my coat (plus I was only a mile or so from my car). Road walk is super easy and mostly flat, but keep to the sides of the road as sight lines are poor. I would recommend this loop over using Horn's Pond Trail. |
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 | Name: |
K Mo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-08-11 |
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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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