Also on this trip

Trails Used

Red Trail, West Peak Trail, Summit Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

First time doing this loop in a decade and significantly surprised by the amount of new switchbacks during the really steep stretch from 1500' almost up to 3000' before the ledges ascending the top of West peak. Very dry and minimal mud, saw a few people on the ascent. Amazing summit views including the presis obscured in a cloud bank and Willoughby gap in a golden hour sheen of sunshine. I would spend more time doing summits in my home state if more trails had switchbacks like these ooh la la

Parking

Lot mostly empty

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Buzzy down low early, minor

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski Trails, herd path, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Gridiots gone rogue. Back in July, Steve and I started toying with the idea of another insane project. Neither of us is fully committed yet but we decided to start playing around with it so today was hike #1. We took Brookway to Lower Walking Boss to Upper Walking Boss. Upper Walking Boss is a black diamond trail and we felt every bit of it. The slopes had been mowed so at least there was no high grass to contend with but the sun was hot and we were all thankful to get into the woods. The herd path is clearly defined and we were running several tracks so we all were in agreement as to where to turn off to start the bushwhack. The whack was not as bad as we had thought it would be. We followed the ridge as best as we could which helped. Right before we reached the actual summit with the canister, it got pretty tight. We all took a few trees to the face along the way. We signed the canister which was easy to open and the log book still has plenty of room for others to sign. We had a really fun day and celebrated our finish with ice cream in Lincoln. Don't tell Steve but this project may not actually be his worst idea.

Parking

Steve drove and we parked at Loon Mountain ski resort. There was plenty of parking when we arrived and still open spots when we finished.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

There were biting flies on the ski trails and some from time to time in the woods.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Firewarden's Trail, Horn Pond Trail, Appalachian Trail South

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great loop, although I'd probably do it CCW instead of clockwise next time to avoid coming down the steep part of Firewarden's. Horn Pond Trail is a gem, soft under foot. Horn Pond is beautiful. North Horn and South Horn are worth tacking on if you are just planning on the 4Ks.

Parking

Room for 25 or so cars on Stratton Brook Pond Road.

Water Crossings

All minor.

Wildlife

Very windy. Bugs had no chance.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Appalachian trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

After hiking The Rangeley Six Pack it was a great pleasure to get back to a well maintained and used trail. Main difference here as was less wild life and more people. The hard part of the hike was the heat wave which when you reach west peak becomes easier to deal with and once at east peak a well deserved break with a windy breeze was great.

Parking

Plenty of parking for a day in the middle of the week.

Water Crossings

A few small ones at the beginning stage