| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Baldpate Mountain - East Peak, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Cataracts Trail, Frye Brook Trail, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, September 16, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was the only car in the parking pull-off on the East B Hill Road |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All were easily hopable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are well maintained and marked, even the Frye Brook Trail which is officially abandoned |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Today was one of those fall days with nice temperatures, low wind, sunshine, and stunning views where you just want to stay on a mountaintop all day! I decided to climb Baldpate via the old Frye Brook Trail from East B Hill Road. Although the trail has been officially abandoned for quite a few years, except for the very start which is now the Cataracts Trail, it is still well maintained and marked.
I passed the three falls which make up the Cataracts within the first half miles, and they were running well today. The first section of trail above the end of the Cataracts Trail follows generally gentle grades along Frye Brook, often utilizing old logging roads. Someone still maintains and marks this trail with blue blazes, and it was no less of a trail than many official trails in the area. Eventually, the trail turned away from the brook and became somewhat steeper. This section was somewhat eroded in parts, but it wasn't too bad, and the worst areas had bypasses cut around them.
Upon reaching the AT, I was somewhat surprised to see a sign marking the Frye Notch Trail. From here, the AT led steeply up with the help of three short ladders along the way. It broke above treeline and soon reached the open rocky knob of Little Baldpate. The views were amazing here, even better than at the summit of Baldpate. After a relatively easy climb, with great views, I reached the summit of Baldpate.
The views at the summit were excellent of course, but after I few minutes I decided to return to Little Baldpate and its more open knob. After retracing my steps, I spent over an hour on Little Baldpate eating lunch and soaking in the views.
I followed the same route back to East B Hill Road, with a short detour to a deep gorge which Frye Brook flows through just off the trail. Although I saw quite a few AT hikers, I didn't see any other day hikers. This northern route up Baldpate is a nice alternative to the busier southern approach and also passes over Little Baldpate which is a beautiful little peak! |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-16 |
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 | Link: |
 https://m.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2375469742595406/ |
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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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