| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Merrill Hill, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Ridge Run, Maine Road, unnamed trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, October 15, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at where the Ridge Run development road crosses the ski trail, plenty of pull offs in that area |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Just minor streams which could easily be stepped over |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
New trail, so no down trees or other issues, but it's not worn in yet near the summit |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Would be a good trail for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
I decided to head over to Newry and check out the new trail up Merrill Hill before the new homes get built on it.
The trail leaves the access road that goes around North Peak near the height of land and follows an ATV trail. It passes a dumping ground for various items from the resort before starting a steady climb.
The trail reaches the future development road, where there are chairs set up looking towards Sunday River's ski trails on Black Mountain.
After following the road for a little bit, the trail bears right and narrows to a footpath before climbing steeply into a boreal forest. This section of trail is brand-new and there is no worn tread yet, so footing is sometimes spongy and the flagging must be followed through areas of open ledge.
The summit is marked with a cairn and there are good views into the Mahoosuc Range. Hopefully this upper part near the summit will remain undisturbed by the development because it contains many areas of sensitive habitat.
If you're in the area, I'd recommend checking this hike out before the new houses are built. |
|
 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
|
 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-10-15 |
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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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