| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Number Four Mountain, Baker Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Number Four Mountain Trail, Baker Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, July 5, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There is no cleared off parking area near the Number Four Mountain trailhead - though a gravel pull off is about 1/2 mi north. Thankfully, the road is wide enough that you can park on the side without blocking travel.
The logging road to the TH (about 3-4 miles) is a bit bumpy in spots, I'd recommend high clearance, but 4wd is not required. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No real streams crossed on this trip |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Number Four Mountain Trail is in good shape and easy to follow. It's a very evident contrast between the old trail, which went literally straight up, and the new trail, which switchbacks.
There are frequent, mostly small blowdowns along the Baker Mountain Trail - it looks like it hasn't been spruced up in a little while. The tread is overgrown at times by moss and small plants, but the trail is still easy to follow.
Interestingly, there is very little mud on these trails - the "worst" mud is in the first 100 yards of hiking. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one dog on trail. It's overall dog-friendly. |
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 | Bugs: |
They were around and were mildly irritating, but did not make things too unpleasant today. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
It was time to knock off another NE Fifty Finest peak, and enjoy views from Number Four's tower along the way. I started very early due to afternoon storm forecasts and made good time up Number Four - tower no problem to climb up the ladder. From there it's just essentially a long woods walk to Baker - nice if you like trees, a bit humdrum if you like lots of views. There are occasional through-the-trees views as you ascend Baker itself, and a couple nice glades.
The trail, for now, just stops at the very peak of Baker, which has a canister (couldn't open). A faint herd path with some pink flagging continues south, but gets indiscernible after about 50 yards. You can see some slightly obstructed views west if you step off that path and push through brush for a few yards. But on the whole Baker is not an especially memorable peak unless you prefer a nice variety of woods. But still good that it is a Fifty Finest peak!
On the way back, a storm just missed hitting me with its full force - got only light rain. Didn't have to put on the rain jacket in the end - always a plus.
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 | Name: |
Dan Saxton |
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 | E-Mail: |
daniel.saxton7@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-07-05 |
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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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