| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Barren Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Unnamed trail, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I followed the directions in the AMC Maine Mountain Guide 10th edition and had no problems getting to the parking area. The final road leading to the parking area is narrow and slightly rough but is accessible for all vehicles. No trailhead sign at parking area. There is a sign warning not to overnight park, camp, set fires, or use ATVs. The trail is marked by orange flagging and the pathway seems to follow an old road that is being reclaimed somewhat by the forest but is still wider than many trails. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The unnamed trail from the parking area to the AT has two wet/mud stretches. One can wander through the adjacent woods to avoid most of the muck and water.
One downed tree about a foot and a half above the ground on the unnamed trail. Easy to step over.
One evergreen blow down on the AT is about five feet above the ground. Easy to get by. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. One thru hiker had a husky. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
I only hiked up the the Barren Ledges to take advantage of the great views of the area lakes and mountains. In the distance one can see Mt Bigelow. Lots of AT thru hikers congregated on the ledges. I did not have time to hike to the summit. The AMC guide did not mention any great views at the summit. The Barren Slide side trail is closed due to the peregrine falcon nesting in the area.
There is a memorial (maybe ashes) for a Mr. Robinson on the unnamed trail.
On descent take care to find the unnamed trail back to the parking area. There is orange flagging and many small branches as a low barrier to discourage the thru hikers from diverting off the AT. There is no trail sign.
One AT thru hiker called the unnamed trail the Otter Pond Trail. There was no signage using this designation.
Only one other day hiker; a man from Dover NH who hiked to Fourth Mountain. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-28 |
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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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