| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sachem Peak, Acteon Ridge (Middle Peak), Bald Knob, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Smarts Brook Trail, Tri-Town Trail, bushwhack, Old Waterville Road, bike trails, Pine Flats Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 9, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty at Smarts Brook lot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Tree down about half way on Pine Flats Trail - easily stepped over. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one on Old Waterville Road - a little bit rambunctious though. A couple of pooches were out for early morning walks with their owners also. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trails are mostly dry. One spot of mud about mid-way in on Tri Town Trail and some more ascending Smarts Brook Trail - all are relatively minor.
Where does one go for leaf peeping in solitude? Well, I decided to visit the Acteon Ridge - more or less duplicating a route I had done about three years ago at this time of year. For something different I took a diversion on Tri-Town Trail at the start, taking time to snoop around the hundreds (?) of "artifact" cans, bottles, etc. I like Smarts Brook Trail (when it becomes a foot path) - the boulders higher up are fun to explore. This time I left the trail toward the plateau E of Sachem Peak at about 2560' trying to get above the boulders at the base of the steep-ish climb to the ridge. On this line I encountered many nuisance spruce which required busting through. After a while the woods opened up and once on the ridge I headed W up Sachem Peak trying to visit as many ledges as I could along the way. At the highest open knob I took many pics, had lunch and then dozed off for a brief snooze. Continuing W I picked up and lost a few herd paths throughout to Bald Knob. Last person to sign in at Middle Acteon Peak was two months ago. From Bald Knob I backtracked to the col and headed NNW to Old Waterville Road. For something different I walked some of the MTB trail and stopped by the old graveyard. I did not see a single person on Pine Flats Trail mid-afternoon which I thought was kind of strange, given that it was still decent out and it is a fall holiday weekend. Other than a couple of dog walkers early on and a handful of folks on Old Waterville Road I didn't see anyone all day. Sun was out all morning and into the early afternoon which was most welcome. Lots of colors to be viewed - I don't think they are quite peak in this area but it is close. |
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 | Name: |
HMJ |
|
 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-10-09 |
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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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