| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Speckled Mountain (Peru), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Speckled Mountain Pasture Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking on the shoulder of Dickvale Road |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings without bridges |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is generally clear with some blowdowns along the boundary line section. The trail is completely unmarked, except for some small cairns along the ridge. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Would be good for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
One tick, but nothing flying |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The last hike on my list in Peru this spring was Speckled Mountain via the Speckled Mountain Pasture Trail. I was surprised to find that the trail was somewhat well defined and seemed to see relatively regular use. Although the trail is completely unmarked, except for some small cairns on the ridge, I was able to follow it without issue using the Maine Mountain Guide and maps from westernmaineviews.com.
It should be noted that a section of trail has been rerouted since the Maine Mountain Guide description was published to avoid a section of trail marked as no trespassing. To follow the reroute, go straight onto an ATV trail at the 4 way intersection just past a cabin, instead of bearing right as described in the book. From the ATV trail, take the next two rights on logging roads and these will lead to a clearing where the reroute joins the old trail. This also avoids the section which has been described as overgrown and wet.
The trail was quite enjoyable, especially the upper section along the east ridge of Speckled Mountain. This section provides a lot of open ridge walking along ledges with lots of great viewpoints. From the summit, I could see lots of rain to the north and west, but I never got more than a few drops during my hike. On the way down, I climbed down a ravine next to the trail and explored a set of pretty cascades, where there was still some ice left.
Although this approach is actually a little bit longer distance than the typical approach over Bald Mountain, it is a nice alternative which is far less busy and offers some unique viewpoints and nice ridge walking. It doesn't look like it gets overgrown and should be a great hike year-round! |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-20 |
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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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