| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Old Speck Mountain, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Old Speck Trail, Eyebrow Trail, Mahoosuc Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 31, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Nice large lot off route 26. Fee lot on honor system. Different rates based on in-state or out of state and by age.
There was set-up in the lot dispensing food. Not sure if there was a charge.
The are two outhouses at the lot.
This lot also serves the hikes to Table Rock and the Baldpates. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Cascade Brook was nearly dry. Easy to cross. Any other water crossings are minor. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The cables and rungs on the Eyebrow Trail are holding up well. Just a short stretch of the Eyebrow Trail needs to be trimmed back.
Some logs that had transversed the slope of some ledges low down on the AT are either tossed to the side or not set correctly. It was easy to cross the sloped section because there was no water running down the ledge. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Some dogs may have difficulties on the Eyebrow Trail. That said, at least two dogs successfully hiked up the Eyebrow Trail. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
The was some dampened surfaces due to the recent rains. I did not find the surfaces to be slippery. There were two trees crossing high above the Old Speck Trail that are not an obstacle in the non-snow season and will probably not be too difficult in the winter (the largest is just uphill from the upper junction of the Eyebrow and the Old Speck trails).
I would recommend ascending via the Eyebrow and descending via the AT (Old Speck Trail) if you plan to include the Eyebrow option to your hike.
There are good views from the ledges above the Eyebrow. Be careful as there is a sharp drop-off.
There are limited views at the summit due to the trees. One must ascend a vertical ladder within the observation tower's structure in order to enjoy magnificent views in all directions. Some hikers elected not to ascend the ladder, but many others were comfortable with going up to the small observation deck. There is a striking view down to Mahoosuc Notch from the tower.
There were two Gray Jays at the summit.
Many hikers out today with the majority from Maine. There were two groups of Colby College freshman on an orientation overnight hike (including Mahoosuc Notch in the rain).
Talked with 2 northbound and 3 southbound AT hikers and two Grafton Loop hiker/campers. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
|
 | Date Submitted: |
2025-08-31 |
|
 | 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. |
|