| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Abraham, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Rapid Stream Road, bushwhack, logging road, Mt. Abraham Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, June 29, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rapid Stream Road is in decent shape, though it looks like Rapid Stream ran in the road for a stretch. Even though the road itself has been repaired, the roadbed looks to be a foot or two lower, and the slopes on either side of the road are eroded. Small pull-off just before the first bridge site, room for 4-5 cars. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing at the first washed out bridge was hoppable directly at the crossing. The second bridge on the other hand, was much more tricky. If the water was much higher, it would be impassable. On the way in, I managed to get myself in a fine pickle, 150 yards upstream, perched on a partially submerged rock, with two fast running channels on either side. I ended up making it, but dunked a boot in the process. Thank you Goretex. On the way back, I tried downstream... that didn't really work out either, dunked both boots. It was the end of the day, no matter. Probably lost 15 minutes on the way in, and 10 on the way out due to these crosssings. All other crossings (minor) were just fine. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail mostly in good shape. A short area that could use brushing maybe 3/10 from the actual trailhead, and the two upper sections of trees in the talus field were pretty tight quarters as well. Nicely blazed trail, including double blazing where the trail has been relocated, though no blazing at all above treeline, and small cairns. Lots of flagging along the woods portion of the trail. Half a dozen or more nuisance blowdowns, all of the stepped over or ducked under variety. No boot sucking mud, but the lower portions were definitely muddy at times. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Out in force. The bug spray, it does nothing. Just kept moving, and the wind on the upper reaches kept them at bay temporarily. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Decided to stay in state, and knock off #53 on the NE67 list. The approach was interesting to say the least. Crawling along Rapid Stream Road in my low clearance sedan was super, I only managed to bottom out once, no damage. The second crossing was hairy, but I got across with a minimum of wetness. It was cloudy when I left the car, but at I got on to Mt. Abraham Trail proper, the sun came out, and the heating began. The lower reaches weren't getting that much of a breeze, so the small crossings here and there made for nice cool spots to pause in. I imagined a steep ascent above the privy/tentsites, at least from what the Maine Mountain Guide says, but I found it to be only moderately steep at points, really fairly gradual, with some decent sections of sidehill to break it up. The talus was great to hike on, not too many tippy rocks, though I nearly rolled my ankle on the way down due to one. Excellent views from the summit, though it was pretty hazy today. Checked out the big cairn on the ridge just beyond the summit, great views to the ridge of Abraham from here. The bugs made it so I couldn't stay in one place for too long before becoming a meal, so I booked it down and out. A hazy, hot, and humid day for sure, but one that was full of solitude. Number of people seen today: 0. |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-06-29 |
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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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