| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Butters Mountain, Red Rock Mountain , ME |
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 | Trails: |
Forest Road 4, Great Brook Trail, Red Rock Trail, Miles Notch Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking across the street from the Miles Notch Trailhead |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Relatively easily hoppable |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are generally clear for wilderness trails. Some sections which are snow-covered are tricky to follow. Trails are well blazed outside of the wilderness area |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw 2 |
|
 | Bugs: |
Nome |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
It was a great day to do one of my favorite loops in the Whites! We started with a road walk up Forest Road 4 (still gated for the season) from the Miles Notch Trailhead on Hut Road. Upon reaching the next gate, we started up the Great Brook Trail. The Great Brook Trail was mostly snow free, and all of the stream crossings were relatively easily hopped. There was a lot of water in the brooks, and some of the cascades on Great Brook were pretty impressive.
Upon reaching the Red Rock Trail along the ridge, we started encountering a lot more snow. There were a couple new inches from the day before, and areas of older snow up to a few feet deep. Luckily these areas were quite manageable with some moderate post-holing. We brought spikes, but didn't end up using them.
It had been snowing on and off all day with lots of wind, but it finally started to clear up as we reached the viewpoints near the top of Red Rock Mountain. By the time we reached the balcony on top of Red Rock's 400' cliffs, it had become mostly sunny and quite pleasant. The views were excellent from this precarious viewpoint, and it's one of the most unique in the state.
After a somewhat snowy descent to Miles Notch, it was a straightforward hike down the warm south slopes of the rides back to Hut Road. We only passed one other group with two people and two dogs. This is a great loop for solitude and spectacular views in Maine's largest wilderness area, and it remains one of my favorites! |
|
 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
|
 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-04-20 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2545425682266477/ |
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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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