| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Haystack Notch Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, September 20, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roadside along ME 113 at the western end of the trail. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The numerous brook crossings on this trail are all super low, although some of the steeping stones are mossy and quite slippery. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The western section up to the wilderness boundary is well maintained with evidence of all blowdowns being cut recently. The middle section within the wilderness is ... wilderness-ey. Obscure trail corridor due to overgrowth in spots and lots and lots of blowdowns. Most are stepovers but two larger ones require detours. The eastern section, outside of the wilderness area again, is more of the same as inside. The eastern end of the trail through the logged clearing could use better markings as to where to go. Trail sign for Haystack Notch Trail is missing at its junction with Miles Notch Trail. Blazing is sparse and very old throughout. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Took a long walk in the woods -- 5.5 mi. one way then turned around and came back.
This trail is wild for sure. Very little evidence of foot traffic aside from my own. East of the notch the trail corridor is obscure in places and requires attention to follow. Generally easy grades throughout but the climb back over the notch on the way back was a bit tiring. No grand vistas to speak of but at the eastern end are interesting views toward Miles Notch and Caribou Mtn. Generally dry with a smattering of mud pits.
At one point I thought I heard people ahead of me but it was probably just the ghosts of hikers past who swore never to return to this trail. I dug it because it is super quiet and remote. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-20 |
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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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