Trails Used

Skidder path, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

After hiking Patience and Metallak from the west, I drove around and parked west of Signal by a path shown on Gaia indicating a possible skidder path. There wasn’t much room to park, and the path wasn’t obvious at first. Heading up the path, it was very wet and grassy and I had to step carefully to avoid puddles. When it started leading me away from the uphill direction, I bushwhacked steeply up to the summit in decent woods. After enjoying the fine views from the ancient fire tower, I decided to head for the next peak rather than backtrack and do two hikes. Various paths led in unknown directions, so I just stuck to a compass bearing in ok woods. From Munn Pond, I headed back to the road westerly and came out right at the Rock Pond Rd junction. Facing a 3 mile road walk back to my truck, I stuck my thumb out as I jogged and quickly snagged a ride in a side-by-side with a fellow named Scott. I told him I highly recommend hiking Signal Mountain.

Parking

Lots of atvs out on the roads, one even gave me a ride. I took Newell Brook rd in (to hike Metallak) and Millsfield Pond rd out. Roads are in decent shape for most any car.

Water Crossings

Just a lot of puddles to step around.

Wildlife

No major issues. I did find a few ticks. It was sunny but cool and breezy.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Snowmobile trails, bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A bit of foggy drizzle this afternoon but the snow stayed solid under my snowshoes. The well signed snowmobile trail was bare-bootable or spikeable, still solid coverage and hard packed. I started my whack from just after the pond on the right side of the loop about 2 miles in, (the loop is shown on Gaia). I did a bigger counter clockwise bushwhack loop hitting the 3 peaks, great woods everywhere, and solid coverage 12+ inches deep, except for the steep south slope of Burnt, which was bare, and a bit scrappy but I kept my snowshoes on here. Lots of moose scat and chewed twigs over here. I crossed a tiny beaver pond on a dam, then headed up beautiful open snow covered woods to Butterfield. Easy navigating with no leaves on the trees. To descend back to the trail I stayed on the long SE spine, it probably would have decent views if it wasn’t so foggy. I don’t know if it has enough angle to ski well, but it’s open enough and has enough snow still. It was a very enjoyable stroll in snowshoes. 8.3 miles and 2,550 feet for my loop in 3:45.

Parking

Parked in the gravel VAST lot off 302, SE of the peaks.

Water Crossings

Snowmobile bridged on the trail. I crossed a beaver dam by one small pond between Burnt and Butterfield while bushwhacking.