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Taken 9/20/98 as my luck
would have it the fog rolled in with a sprinkle, it was nice when I
left. Mt. Abraham
is the tenth highest peak in Maine, coming
in at an elevation of 4049`.Its located Northwest of Kingfield. The ridge runs
about 4.5 miles and has a total of eight peaks ranging in height from 3400` to
4000`. An abandoned MFS firetower is on the highest peak just north of the
middle ridge. The areas above the timberline have a alpine appearance,
which seems odd due to its height. Abraham being exposed can make sudden
lightning storms very dangerous, so please use caution keeping an eye on the
weather. Two trails will get you to the abandoned firetower. The Fire Wardens
Trail will approach the mountain from Kingfield. The other from the Appalachian
Trail north of Mt. Abraham and West of Spaulding Mountain.
Fire Warden`s Trail
Reaching the trail, follow Me.27 north from
Kingfield. Turn left (West) on the paved road at Jorden`s Lumber Co. store, 0.2
mi. north of the bridge over the Carrabassett River . After 3 mi. from Me. 27
the road will turn gravel, continue straight through a crossroad at 3.5 mi. to
3.7 mi., where the road forks. Go right. From this point the road is a logging
road. At 6.0 mi. a road turns left to a new bridge crossing Rapid Stream. After
crossing the stream follow the road for approx. 0.5 mi. to the trailhead. The
trailhead begins straight into the woods. The trail starts by following the
south bank of Norton Brook, after crossing the brook you will continue along
the north side gradually climbing. After another 3.0 mi.you will cross another
logging road (To reach this spot turn right at the trailhead then bear
left.) About 2 mi. to the Warden`s cabin, grades are easy, actually kind of
low and muddy in some spots. Aspring can be found to the right of the cabin.At
the Wardens cabin (2127`) the trail turns left heading straight up the slope
climbing steeply through the woods for about a mile, coming out on to an open
slide with some great views. The last sure water will be found .01mi. above the
old cabin, a side trail to a brook will lead to this.The last part of the trail
is completely exposedwith just a few scrub patches.While rising steadily you
will notice the old telephone wire strewn over the boulder field. Distances
from Rapid Stream: to crossroad near
Norton Brook:0.5mi. to firewardens
cabin:3mi. to Abraham summit:4.5mi.
3hr. 45min. Mt. Abraham
Side Trail Where the Appalachian trail
and the blue blazed side trail to the Spaulding Mt. summit junction, continue
south on the AT descending the cone of Spaulding Mt. to the lean-to with two
tent sites, a spring, and a privy. Head south on the AT to the junction of the
Mt. Abraham Side Trail. The Mount Abraham Side Trailleads 1.7 mi. southeast
following a very old tote road, the climb, gradual at first then steeply, up
the south ridge of Mt. Abraham. The trail will emerge from the woods and
continue over the rock field to the tower.
Distances from Caribou Valley Road
to junction of AT and Spaulding summit trail:
3.9mi. to site of new Spaulding
Mountain campsite: approx.4.5 mi. to
junction of AT and Mt. Abraham Side Trail: approx.4.9mi.
to Mt. Abraham summit: 6.6 mi.5hr.
25min. |
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