| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Spencer Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
RAM Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, July 18, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The roads from Kokadjo to the trailhead (follow the usual directions) are in excellent condition, any regular vehicle can navigate them. You need to park on the side of the road at the trailhead where the shoulder ever so slightly widens, there is only one strip of flagging on the east side marking the trail. If doubtful, you can go a few paces into the woods to see the RAM memorial plaque. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Pretty dry overall, just a few trickles of water and a few small muddy spots. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trail has some fallen trees, not too difficult to navigate. Flagging on trees can sometimes be a bit hard to find in the rocky areas. The conifers encroach on the footway in a couple places near the summit. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Absolutely no dogs should be brought on this climb! |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitoes, but the lower temps and good breezes today kept them largely at bay. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Gorgeous day today to tackle the Little Spencer (after doing Big Spencer last year).
I would agree with the general assessment that, while a fun challenge for me, this is one of the most technically challenging peaks in New England going up the regular route. I've done Huntington Ravine, King Ravine Subway/Great Gully, and some others. While short, the 75-foot rock chimney ranks up there among the great pitches of New England trails. It is ever so slightly harder in my opinion than the rock chimney near the very top of Huntington, and a fall here would at the very least bust you up good. I'd rate the chimney as low Class 4. On the way up, I managed to not use the ropes (there are multiple ropes), but coming down there are 2 particular spots (a 20-foot pitch with imprecise handholds and a 10-foot vertical pitch with a couple chockstones) where the ropes keep the descent from being especially sketchy.
The rest of the climb is no pushover, with slippery pine needles, talus, and other regular scrambles adding to the mix. Absolutely don't do this hike in rain! (I shifted my plans to Friday from Sunday for that reason)
The view from the top of the cliffs is memorable (especially of the lakes!), and the summit views (2 separate outlooks) are very nice too. Little Spencer is one of Maine's outstanding peaks and one of the gruntiest short climbs around.
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 | Name: |
Dan Saxton |
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 | E-Mail: |
daniel.saxton7@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-07-20 |
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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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