| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Abraham, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Firewardens Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rapid Stream Road is not the greatest but certainly passable. It had no snow on it and for the most part was just rocky with occasional rough spots. The only area of concern is about 1/4 mile after road turns to dirt. There is a 500-600 ft section that is appears had dirt added and is being graded. It was wavy firm frozen dirt on the way in AM (23 deg F) but was pretty well rutted out and muddy on the way out (about 38 deg F). I drive a CrossTrek and was fine and I met a guy just before returning to trailhead who took a Prius up the road so still doable. There were many places that would not fit 2 cars side by side and would involve someone backing up quite a bit to get out of the other's way. Last 1/4 mile or so to trailhead had a pretty good crown in the road which could be an issue for cars with low clearance if you're not careful. Small parking area with room for 4-5 cars depending on how they are parked. No facilities. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There are 5 brook crossings on the route. Only one of concern was the first one about 1/4 mile from trailhead. Many of the rocks were icy and/or slimy and several of the needed ones to cross were 1-2 inches under water. Had a hard time AM even after putting on my Stream Trekkers. Coming out in afternoon had no issues. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail was very well blazed with blue rectangles, which was very helpful with the fresh snow and dropped leaves in the lower sections which are open woods. Recall a few very minor blowdowns. There were a few spots that appear to have been rerouted slightly and left some orphaned blazes on the old sections. Probably would have been very obvious without the snow. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Should be fine for dogs. No technical terrain. |
|
 | Bugs: |
none |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
none |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Most of this trail cruises through open woods that were not terribly exciting. Fresh snow (about 2-4 inches consistently at all elevations with some minor drifts in the rocks above tree line). Snow hid a lot of muddy areas and small ankle turning rocks in the open woods. Did see a lot of fresh animal tracks: bear, moose, deer, rabbits, squirrel and I think a raccoon. No actual sightings but plenty of wildlife in the area. The climb up out of the flats is pretty steady, with occasional steep and easier grades, but was not at all technical and had no scrambles. The open summit is very nice with panoramic views in every direction. The fresh untracked snow on the rocks made for slow going from tree line to the summit but no scrambles or awkward areas. There are small cairns that were fairly easy to locate with current snow depths. First time in the area and enjoyed the summit. Looks like a lot of other cool peaks to explore. |
|
 | Name: |
DayTrip |
|
 | E-Mail: |
bblanchette0709@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-02 |
|
 | 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. |
|
