| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
York Hill, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Woods roads, snowmobile trails, unnamed trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed pulloff at Five Corners |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trails I used were unmarked, but mostly clear except for the old trail near the summit |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Some flying around, but nothing biting yet |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I decided to try out a hike in the Kennebec Highlands today which I had been eyeing for a while, York Hill. I had heard that the actual summit and fire tower were off limits, so I didn't go into it expecting too much. By doing on the ground and online scouting, I came up with a potential route which would likely bring me close to the top while avoiding posted land.
I followed a number of old roads, now snowmobile trails, from York Hill Road. Eventually, I turned on to a little used trail which made its way to the summit area. I was able to make my way to a stone wall which marked the edge of the posted property, about 100 yards from the tower. Although the tower and summit area with views were within the posted property, it was still cool to be able to view the tower up close, and I wasn't expecting to make it any farther than I did.
There was still lots of snow in the woods, which was up to a few feet deep in places. I brought microspikes, but didn't end up using them. However, if it was colder, I likely would have. It ended up being about 2.5 miles round-trip. I can't really recommend this hike to anyone who isn't into fire towers, but I definitely enjoyed it! |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https://m.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2528972603911785/ |
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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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