Shell Pond - Shell Pond Loop, Shell Pond Trail - 4-15-2023

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Shell Pond, ME

	Trails:	Shell Pond Loop, Shell Pond Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, April 15, 2023

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	The road to the summer trailhead is open. There were still a few patches of snow on Stone house road that were fairly deep but likely mostly gone and the road is a bit soft but passage should be possible for any car now.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	All easy/Bridged. NOTE: the bridge crossing Rattlesnake bridge on the Shell Pond trail (the first after leaving the air strip) while above water and easily crossed had accumulated debris which is causing water to flow over the banks to both sidesw. This means walking through water that is several inches deep.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	One easy stepover blowdown on Shell Pond loop trail after junction with Shell Pond trail; debris will need to be cleared from the bridge over Rattlesnake brook.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Easy canine hike though best to keep them out of the pond due to leaches.

	Bugs:	Didn't see any but applied lots of Deet to keep ticks at bay

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	A easy and beautiful hike in Evan's Notch. Trail is snow free with only a few minor patches of snow to be seen; more snow on the road to the trailhead than on or near the trails. Largely dry trails with a few spots of mud. As noted debris is causing Rattlesnake brook to overflow on both sides of the bridge so until water levels drop you will need to walk through a stretch of water several inches deep - well worth it though for the views especially from the viewpoint overlooking the pond with the baldfaces in the background.

	Name:	Brian From Maine

	E-Mail:	brianr@marketdecisions.com

	Date Submitted:	2023-04-17

	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.