| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bald Mountain (Washington Township), Saddleback Wind (attempt), ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Bald Mountain Trail, Saddleback Wind Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, January 22, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking is along the shoulder that I guess someone is kind enough to plow in winter :) Room for at least a half a dozen cars. Easily accessible. Two others when I arrived at 11:45am and one other when I left at 3 |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction, Ice Axe |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of Wilson Stream along the true trail is a bit of a sketchy snowbridge. Most people have been crossing it just east from the other end of the pullout/parking area where the snowbridge is sturdier. No real concern unless temps warmed and we got a lot of rain though which doesn’t seem likely now. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trails are blazed in blue. The blazing seemed pretty regular on the ascent to Bald and didn’t thin out too much on the way to Saddleback Wind. That said, with the unbroken trail in between them and the ledge, it could be difficult to follow after Bald. The trail is in good shape and I don’t recall any blowdowns. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I probably wouldn’t recommend it right now with the ice |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
I found a hiking pole in the woods down low stood up in the snow right on the side of the trail. I brought it down to the trailhead. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Second hike of the day after Blueberry Mtn in Weld. Great to be out again after more than two weeks of not hiking!! Snow conditions were similar here except that the trail go Bald Mtn had seen a lot of traffic. I started in snowshoes though they weren’t necessary and, in fact, spikes were probably safer up on the ledge. Moderately steep grade the whole way with some scrambling although there’s “alternate route”’s arepund “Step I” and “Step II” the first of which is below treeline the second of which is above. I took the steps on the way up and descended the easier way. The jcts of these can be a little confusing. Also, the packed trail seems to deviate some from them as it does above tree line to stay on the snow and avoid ice. Since I was redlining, I tried to stay on the true trail. A good snowshoe crampon that hasn’t been used too much would be recommended. Also, given the exposure, crampons and an ice axe wouldn’t be overkill if you’re trying to stay on the true trail like I was. The ice is thick enough that crampons would actually be helpful. With more snow this week, the ice will hopefully be less of an issue. Most people out seemed to be in spikes though. A few in snowshoes.
From the summit, I continued on toward Saddleback Wind. Someone I met on the way up said that there was a sign saying the trail between the two was closed but not seeing any sign I continued on. Unbroken trail so snowshoes definitely needed beyond Bald. Ice underneath the snow led to some slipping and sliding. The trail was hard to follow at times but still blazed. Then, 0.2mi north of the col, I hit a small sign saying trail closed and turned around. Evidently the owner of the property closed the trail and it doesn’t seem likely that it’s going to be accessible again :( Well, guess that’s one less redline…
Once I’d climbed back up to the summit of Bald, I took the snowshoes off, strapped them to my pack, and threw on Hillsounds which worked well for the descent. I think I saw three other groups while I was out and a total of five other people. Gaia had me at about 3.25mi with around 1600ft of gain. It took me a little over 3hrs to complete. |
|
 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
|
 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-01-24 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
