| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
East Royce Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
East Royce Trail, Unmaintained Trail, Herd Paths |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There is a lot for several cars (free). The approach road (113) up through Evans Notch is narrow, curvy, and beautiful. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Small brooks crossing the trail in the lower elevations were all easily stepped over. There was water at the intersection where the East Royce Trail meets the connector trail. Beyond that to the summit I did not see any water source. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The main trail was in good condition. The unmaintained trail had natural bushy growth but I was able to wade through and see the trail. The herd paths around the summit area were sometimes hard to follow but generally visible. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
This trail is suitable for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
There were few bugs. I did not use any bug defenses. I came home with one annoying black fly bite. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing to note. |
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 | Comments: |
There aren't many trail reports for this one so I will offer one as an update to what is already on the list from days gone by. Evens Notch is a farther drive for me but the trails in the area are unique and excellent. East Royce is a little mountain but the trail is short and moderately steep. I feel other reports may have over-emphasized the steepness. Some areas invite hands on rocks and big step ups, or sitting down on the descent but nothing was sketchy or made me regret being there. There is a sign on the superb viewpoint at the top end of the trail, which looks like a summit except you can clearly see higher ground. There is an "unmaintained trail" which takes you to the high point and somebody has set a rock on a rock. I wanted to backpack and did not know if this unmaintained trail was official or not, which caused me some confusion. I knew there was a radio repeater so I pushed on past the summit on the herd path while using satellite imagery. A radio repeater is a big machine that boosts the signals for WMNF people who communicate by radio. It is in a rocky area and when exploring, I was able to find a durable and rocky flat area with a great view. I ended up not camping there due to wind/tent fiascos but perhaps it is a legal spot (research rules and decide for yourself). In any case, it is a good trail and a gorgeous area. And by the way I did get cell service up there but not down on the road. |
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 | Name: |
Rachel Whelton |
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 | E-Mail: |
rachelwhelton@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-08-12 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.youtube.com/rachelwhelton |
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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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