| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Pamola Peak, Chimney Peak, Mt. Katahdin - South Peak, Mt. Katahdin - Baxter Peak, South Howe Peak, North Howe Peak, Mt. Katahdin - Hamlin Peak, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Helon Taylor Trail, Knife Edge, Saddle Trail, Northwest Basin Trail, North Peaks Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail, North Basin Trail, North Basin Cutoff, Chimney Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 8, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Slept in my truck outside the Togue Pond gate until it opened at 6 AM, and was able to get a spot at Roaring Brook. Room for several vehicles in the day use lot, but this being Baxter State Park, once the lot is full, it gets closed off. Same for every trailhead in the park, Katahdin or not. No day use fee for Maine residents. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All bridged or easily rock hopped. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The North Peaks Trail shows signs of VERY light use and can be tricky to follow, but if you're the type to visit the Howe Peaks, you're probably experienced and have good trail eyes and should have little issue following it. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs or pets allowed in Baxter State Park. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not with the wind and cold today! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Either the Katahdin area must not have gotten much rain last night or it all dried out quickly, because all the trails I used today were pretty much bone dry with scant small areas of mud and wet rock. Fair deal of rime ice above treeline, some of which was on the rocks on some trails.
This was a hike to remember- traversing the Knife Edge in cold 20-40 mph winds was a bit of a thrill ride at times, and I got to see several AT through hikers finish their long jaunts. Also checked out South and North Howe Peak, which was on my radar for a while, where I seemingly left civilization behind. Not a soul or trace of one out there. Going down Hamlin Ridge was one of the best descents of a trail I've done in New England, and the Chimney Pond Trail was a more mellow way to finish the day off.
This was one of my favorite hikes I've done this year and in general, and the views and visibility were the best I've ever had anywhere in BSP to date. |
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 | Name: |
Spencer |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-10-08 |
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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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