| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Jackson Mountain (Weld), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Parker Ridge Trail, Little Jackson Trail, Pond Link Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 28, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking is at the end of the Morgan Road, which is the next right turn after the Mountain View Cemetary on the Byron Road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
One easy rock hopping crossing on the Pond Link Trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The bushwack section of this trail is from the Pond Link Trail above Tumbledown Pond to the summit of Little Jackson Mountain. Although not an official trail, it is well-marked with flag tape (primarily red) and includes a summit sign about halfway along the bushwhack. The most difficult part of this section was locating the beginning of the bushwack section above Tumbledown Pond. When descending the Pond Link Trail from the high point saddle, you will see Tumbledown Pond. Next, the trail passes through a small open area resembling a campsite (there is no camping allowed on Tumbledown), and then a second campsite space. At the second campsite space turn right walking downhill toward the pond to an opening in the underbrush. You will descend to a muddy low section close to the pond's edge where we spotted the first red flag tape. After that, kept looking for flag tape along the heard path. It was relatively easy navigating to a summit sign near the base of the ascent to the summit. The ascent is steep in places but it was easy to follow the path. This section of trail, in my opinion, is the highlight of the entire hike with spectacular views of the entire Tumbledown section of Weld and the mountains beyond. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
An able-bodied dog should be able to navigate the entire loop, no problem. |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
We came across one dog harness for a small dog on the Little Jackson Trail and placed it on a rock for all to see. |
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 | Comments: |
Any time we can turn an 'up-and-back' trail into a 'loop' trail we do it! I HIGHLY recommend this trail for the loop aspect and the incredible views of the Tumbledown 'complex' from the bushwhack ascent up Little Jackson. All other sections of the trail are well-maintained as expected, and the descent of Little Jackson is beautiful on the open ledges to the saddle. This was about a 6-hour hike for us. |
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 | Name: |
Steve |
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 | E-Mail: |
mitman13@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/MdLDHhvf9UNj9RHC6 |
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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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