Trails Used

Albany Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

On Friday, we hiked Albany Mountain in the White Mountain National Forest from the north. As usual, the trail was in excellent condition, and the beaver dam was no issue to cross. It seems that this year is a bad year for mountain blueberries, due to last year's drought, and we only found a few on our hike. However, the views were excellent, and we were surprised that we only saw two other groups out on what is usually a pretty busy trail. After the hike, we headed to Broken Bridge Pond, where we set up camp at one of my favorite dispersed sites in the National Forest. It was a great peaceful night at the campsite, and it was perfect sleeping weather!

Parking

Only a few cars in the parking lot

Water Crossings

All crossings were easy to step over. The beaver dam crossing was no issue.

Wildlife

Not many

Trails Used

Albany Mountain Trail,Albany Mountain Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice morning for redlining this trail from the Albany Mountain Spur to Birch Avenue. This section trail is lightly traveled. Spots of erosion and be watchful of deep leaf wells. This section of trail does follow a beautiful mossy stream for a distance which was nice.

Parking

Parked at the Northern trailhead. One vehicle on arrival. Room for at least 6 vehicles. Carspot at Southern Trailhead Birch Avenue no vehicles and room for several vehicles. Trail begins where the pavement ends

Water Crossings

Minor stepover flows. No issue. There was one smaller beaver dam to cross over which looks worse than it was

Wildlife

Deer flies were horrendous.

Trails Used

Albany Mountain Trail & Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Climbed from the North trailhead. A very pleasant walk through mixed forest. A few flowers in bloom and many more appear ready to come out soon. As you come to the first open ledge shortly above the Spur junction, there is an obvious herd path heading right (SW) to a great view of Speckled, Blueberry, the Baldfaces, etc. Nice view northeast from the ledges near the summit, too. Many blueberries along the Spur; likely a great August hike.

Parking

Well described in WMG, but coming in from ME 5 there is no sign for FR 18. The mileage is accurate and there is a sign facing the other direction just beyond the junction with a hiker symbol, but again no sign saying FR 18. If you came in from Flat Rd., the above mentioned sign would be just before the turn. The dirt road was in good condition and easily passable. I went home via Flat Rd., which is also in good condition.

Water Crossings

Crossing the old beaver dam is a bit tricky with a number of loose or tippy trees to step on that are just above the water level, but with care, you can keep your feet dry.

Wildlife

Bring your bug dope or net. They are definitely out here.

Trails Used

Road walk, Albany Mountain Trail, Albany Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

broke out 1.5 mi of Albany mtn trail from the trailhead to the spur in 12-24" of snow. from there conditions were well packed and we switched to bare boots on the snowmobile sections. keep an eye and ear out for sleds. the warm temps the day before made for mashed potato snow and shoe clogging, but below freezing overnight temps firmed up the snow. Pete got a few trails for his WMNF redlining

Parking

parked at the end of Patte Mill Brook Road the day before and ski pulked up to Crocker Pond Campground where we spent the night. there's room for a few cars on the edge of the road

Water Crossings

there were small stream crossings with weak bridge that were easily hopped

Wildlife

none