| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Patterson Hill, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Patterson Hill Road, Dan Charles Pond Road, ATV trails, Esker View Trail, Groundhog Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 10, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at both trailheads, but the one on Patterson Hill Road is much larger |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No unbridged crossings |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are very well marked and maintained |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Good hike for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
A few ticks |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Today we went back to the Oxford Hills to hike in the last Greater Lovell Land Trust preserve with trails that I had yet to hike in, the Kezar Corridor Lands. Located in the remote valley that the Kezar River flows through, the preserve offers trails around Dan Charles Pond and up Patterson Hill.
We parked at the eastern trailhead on Patterson Hill Road, which has a much larger parking lot than the trailhead on Old Waterford Road. The roads to the trailhead were in great shape and suitable for any car.
We started making a loop around Dan Charles Pond by walking back down Patterson Hill and Dan Charles Pond Roads. Upon arriving at the western trailhead, we followed the multi-use trail into the woods to continue circling the pond. The trail soon passed by a small picnic area and climbed to the top of an esker. After going ¾ of the way around the pond, we took the Esker View Trail. This short hiking trail leads to a boat launch on the shore of the pond where there are canoes and a kayak available for public use. If it weren't so cold this morning, we definitely would have taken advantage of the opportunity!
After returning to where we were parked, we started up Patterson Hill by following a multi-use trail that wrapped around to the south side of the hill. This trail is currently closed to ATVs, due to a washout, but is perfectly fine for hiking! After a relatively short ascent, we reached the beautiful viewpoint at the summit. There are great views to the west and south from the picnic table and fire rings at the summit. As a sign notes, fires are allowed in the two fire rings with a permit.
After enjoying the views, we descended via the Groundhog Trail. This well-built hiking only trail descends the west side of the hill utilizing a long series of switchbacks with a few viewpoints along the way. The quality of trail building/layout on the Hedgehog Trail is not often seen in the state, and it would be the perfect trail for anyone who wants to hike to a summit with great views without hiking one of Maine's traditional straight up the fall line trails.
It was a great hike exploring this scenic preserve and we also stopped by Kezar Gorge on our way out, which is a super unique and beautiful place! |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-11-10 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-november-10-2024-4f5a9bf-2?sh=qriocr |
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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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