| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cutler, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Barnes Trail, herd path, Saco Ridge Trail, snowmobile trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, November 25, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at RR Depot lot, which is adequate for a few cars. After my hike I noticed a sign at the kiosk recommending use of a new parking lot on Hiram Hill Road. I drove over there and discovered a large lot. Of note, there was a sign there stating that the lot is not plowed in the winter. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One low duck under on Saco Ridge Trail, which is developing a herd path around it. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Beautiful views for a short hike - nearby Hiram, Burnt Meadow Mountains and Pleasant Mountain and distant Presidentials, Wildcats, Carters, etc. The Barnes trail is very steep and some people may feel somewhat exposed at places along the climb. The sign at the kiosk also mentions the trail is prone to erosion and adds "please use trails on the Hiram Hill Road." Despite this the trail appears to still be regularly used and maintained. There is a relatively clear herd path to the actual summit, although the start is a little hard to identify. It's about 50 yards after the sharp left turn as the Barnes Trail arrives at the notch near the summit. In my opinion, views from the summit are even better than along the ridge. While the map and MMG mention the Old Saco Ridge Trail, I think it may be abandoned since I could never find any evidence of that trail. |
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 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
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 | E-Mail: |
jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-11-26 |
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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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