View Full Version : Maine AT in BSP: Grassy Pond to Abol Bridge in winter


Tramper Al
03-21-2005, 08:36
So,

I spent last weekend with 7 friends in Baxter State Park. Our group included an '05 thru called Regular Brian, and others of various other fame. On the third day, we skied out 7.3 miles or so on the AT to Abol Bridge. Since I know many of you have walked this section in summer or fall, I thought you might like a bit of winter perspective. I'll try to link some pictures (http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/baxter-march-2005) too.

I don't know why, but I haven't been able to edit my messages lately. So I guess I get one try to get this right.

On our second day, we skied the AT (and Grassy Pond loop) by Grassy, Tracy and Daicey Ponds. Of course in winter, you can take shortcuts across the ponds, and this wasn't an AT trip, so I didn't mind blue blazing at all. It was all unbroken, with deep snow, and glorious. The view (http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/baxter-march-2005/img_3863) from our cabin porch was pretty nice late that afternoon.

On our third day, we skied out from our cabins (http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/baxter-march-2005/img_3819) at Daicey Pond to our cars at Abol Bridge. This is a little over 7 miles. The trail (http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/baxter-march-2005/img_3838) was well covered with snow, as were the trees above. We stopped off at Big Niagara Falls (http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/baxter-march-2005/img_3829) and every other little scenic spot we came across.

The major wildlife sightings were a couple of spruce grouse hens (near Daicey) and some otters playing down where we reached the West Branch.

There are several more pictures in the album from other parts of the trip, if you are interested.

Tim Rich
03-21-2005, 08:55
Excellent photos of what looked to be a great trip. Thanks for sharing the winter perspective with us.

TJ aka Teej
03-21-2005, 11:30
Wonderful photos and trip report! Thanks for sharing them here!

Tramper Al
03-21-2005, 17:42
Thanks for the kind words.

I often read on Whiteblaze that BSP 'closes' on Oct 15th, and while I understand the meaning for thrus, I like to point out that there is indeed life after autumn.

I even read somewhere of a pipe dream to reroute the AT to a suspension bridge over the Kennebec, and then over Toll Dam. Having seen the bridge in my newly purchased Clark guidebook, and walked over the dam myself in deep snow last Saturday, I can defintely see it.