Date Hiked: 8/04/07

Conditions: The AT from Caribou Pond Rd. to the junction of the Abraham Side Trail is in excellent shape, as are the Sugarloaf Side Trail and the 1.7 mile Abraham Side Trail. The spring at the Spaulding Lean-To is running great, and is the best tasting water I've filled my bladder with yet! (I did filter it) Bugs came out only at dusk. The Fire Warden's Trail was pretty muddy in spots from the trailhead to the Warden's Cabin. All stream crossings are easy at this time.

Special Required Equipment: Poles useful for ascending/descending the rock field on Abraham. Windbreaker most necessary once above the trees. Boots with lots of under the ball of the foot protection and cushioning, again for the tiresome rock field. Bug dope, only if you don't mind going to bed with the smell on you. As I said before, the bugs only became bothersome at dusk. I just crawled into the tent for refuge.

Comments: This hike can be done as a dayhike, but makes a very pleasant stress-free 2-day hike.(if you can stage a car at the other end)VIEWS GALORE! And this time of year, you're bound to meet north-bound through-hikers on the last leg of their journey with some interesting stories to tell.