| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bigelow Mountain - Avery Peak, Bigelow Mountain - West Peak, Bigelow Mountain - South Horn, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Firewarden's Trail, Appalachian Trail, Horns Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The small lot at the end (1.1mi) of Stratton Brook Road holds at least 12 cars, was about the 5th on arrival. One high clearance SUV even made it past the sign board to the Esker Road and down to the lake. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All minor crossings were easily hopped. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are in great shape, noticed a lot of recent maintenance as well as ribbons on the AT signifying work to be done. I was particularly impressed with all the work needed to be done to keep the upper part of Horns Pond Trail clear of all those blowdowns. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Not bad, most just flying around. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Counter-clockwise loop of these three peaks. Magnificent day, this ridge may make my short list of most beautiful hikes in NE.
I prefer to ascend the steepest trails instead of descend, so I went up Firewarden's. Definitely very steep but the footing is always good and there are no scrambles. No tentsites were occupied at the Bigelow Col Campsite, but the area was very clean and well-maintained. Avery Peak is spectacular, the low morning clouds burned off just in time. West Peak had 365 gorgeous views, and the ridge over to the Horns was very manageable. The descent on Horns Pond Trail kept the knees from complaining. I will certainly be back this fall for the colors, as if the views could get any better. |
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 | Name: |
WishfulThinking |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-06-15 |
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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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