| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Black Mountain (Peru), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Black Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 11, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Was able to make it to the pull off at the trailhead with no issue. Cars with very low clearance may have to park before the last hill. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings and all wet spots were manageable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
This trail is very lightly used and minimally maintained. However, it had many cairns marking it and was mostly clear, except for a few blowdowns. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
A few, but not an issue yet |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Looking for a trail to put your navigation skills to the test? I've found one for you!
Although Black Mountain in Peru is featured in both the Delorme Atlas and the Maine Mountain Guide, it sees very little traffic. The trail up it is obscure and requires care to follow it through its many turns.
I had no issues making it all the way to the trailhead on Black Mountain Rd in Sumner, but cars with very low clearance may need to park before the last hill. The lower section of the trail follows a mix of old roads, footpaths, and skidder trails. Utilizing the description in the Maine Mountain Guide and helpful cairns, arrows, flagging tape, and orange paint, I carefully made it through this section without much issue. The upper section of trail follows a footpath through beautiful boreal forest and was mostly easy to follow. I had the trail loaded in my GPS as a backup, but I didn't end up needing it.
Although the summit area doesn't feature any spectacular views, it's a great area to explore the many open ledges. There are some views to be found, carvings from the 1800s, and even a small pond a short bushwhack away from the cairn at the end of the trail.
Before driving back, I did a short hike to Abbotts Pond which is a picturesque pond under the cliff of Speckled and Bald Mountains. Black Mountain was a great adventure and it was fun following the lightly used trail through it's many turns. The lower sections of trail look like they get overgrown in summer, so this time of year and fall are likely the best times to do this hike. |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-11 |
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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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