| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Albany Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Albany Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, May 3, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The junction of Birch and Rt 5 is not marked with a road name but as the WMG says it is just before Keewaydin Lake. When Virginia Lake branches off there is a sign for it and Birch. I used the parking area just before the USFS Albany Mtn trail sign and next to a set of mailboxes. It can hold 10 or more cars and is just a bit soft. The road walk is easy. I could have driven up to and parked at a small flat spot at the Meadow Brook bridge just past what I took to be the last year around residence. Beyond that would be dicey and a tree is down before the gate. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Meadow Brook nicely bridged. The other crossings are easily done. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I recall two blowdowns, one minor evergreen partially on the trail and one blocking walk around down a bit from it. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Easy trail for a pup. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some black flies in the lower sections, and some were landing. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
When I first did this section of the trail from Birch to Albany Mtn, it took constant attention to stay on the route. There were almost no blazes or worn foot paths, and the corridor took some experience to see. Now it is a "regular" trail, but newbies should read the WMG about the road branching down low. The initial road section had extensive drainage work done years ago and so it's decent going despite being the wet season. The next section of old road is a mess right now, with standing water often under leaves and over mud. It takes care to stay within the road width and find rocks, roots, sticks or somewhat solid ground to step on to avoid soaking/mucking up the feet. I'd suggest waiting until a dryer time of year to do the trail as a result. Above the old roads and on a hiking path the way is paint blazed and often has an obvious foot path. If you want to find where the old Albany Notch trail branches off that's easy, but it's not going to grab the unwary. The summit spur is in good shape but it, and the trail to the north had a superb trail maintainer (and dog assistant) for many years who went far beyond normal TM expectations. A short side path to the south does provide a view; there are none from the peak itself marked by a cairn. The herd path down and around to the ledges, with their great vistas, was easy for me to follow but I know it well. Others may miss it, get off it part way, or not get to the last of the open ledges. There are pieces of footpath between ledges and some ad hoc rocks on the ledge for those unfamiliar with it. Even so they should look back periodically so they can find their way back if they get off. |
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 | Name: |
Plus One |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-05-03 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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