| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Speckled Mountain, Blueberry Mountain, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Bickford Brook Trail, Red Rock Trail, Blueberry Ridge Trail, Stone House Trail, White Cairn Trail, Bickford Slides Loop |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, July 13, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water levels have fallen considerably over the past few days so the crossing of Bickford Brook at the upper end of the slides loop was very do-able. The crossing at the bottom looked a little more challenging but also do-able if you are taller than 5'2" like me |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
For the most part all trails are in great shape, the one exception being the Bickford Slides Loop which has been washed out in places |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Two happy pups heading up Speckled from Brickett Place |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Other than the wet trail which is par for the course this summer, I found these to be in really good shape for wilderness trails. Minimal blowdowns and only a couple tiny sections where the trail is a bit overgrown. Nice crossing paths with Wolfgang on his way down Speckled. Blueberry Ridge between the Bickford Brook trail and the summit of Blueberry may just be the driest trail I've hiked all summer. Lovely views from the ledges too! Heading down Stone House, the side trips to Rattlesnake Pool and the gorge are short and well worth it. White Carin was remarkably steep towards the top and I was happy I chose to ascend that and descend Stone House. Biggest challenge of the day was the Bickford Slides Loop. I had to guess a few times at where the trail went because evidence of it has been swept away by high water. Worst section was about 1/3 of the way up, you end up sort of island hopping in the middle of the stream. There are a couple helpful signs but otherwise this had the look and feel of wilderness trail. The upper falls are stunning though! |
|
 | Name: |
Splash |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-07-13 |
|
 | 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. |
|
