This loop, on August 27 , was remarkable for its spectacular views from the logging roads on the approach and the open summits and ridgelines. The bushwacking was relatively easy through largely open woods except for a fringe of thick stuff before the talus slopes on Middle Abraham and the summit of the South Peak.
From Phillips, ME, the Delorme atlas accurately represents the roads to Barnjum. Thereafter there are many branches not shown. However, the first well-maintained side road to the East (after Barnjum, at approx 2000' elev.) parallels the southwest course of Mt. Abraham. [The logging roads are rough, but with care my saab zigged around the larger rocks and eased through the gullies.] A large culvert that was half exposed above the road blocked a closer approach ( could probably be crossed by a high clearance vehicle).An hour's walk on the road past the culvert, led to another obvious road NE, from the end of which a brief climb lead to open talus slopes and the Middle summit. Surprisingly, there was a trail along the summit ridge, which I presume started over on the main summit. It abruptly ends 1/2 way to the South summit, but takes full advantage of the exposure along the ridge with breathtaking views. The SW side of the South peak is bare (marked by an 8' cairn). the descent toward the logging road and Farmer was again relatively painless. Farmer's northern slope is open forest with great views of the entire range of Abraham.
Very few wildflowers unless one counts Indian pipes, but great birds... turkeys, ruffed grouse, gray jays, boreal chickadees, blackpoll warblers, and several species of hawks soaring on the thermals at the summits.
Highly recommended!
From Phillips, ME, the Delorme atlas accurately represents the roads to Barnjum. Thereafter there are many branches not shown. However, the first well-maintained side road to the East (after Barnjum, at approx 2000' elev.) parallels the southwest course of Mt. Abraham. [The logging roads are rough, but with care my saab zigged around the larger rocks and eased through the gullies.] A large culvert that was half exposed above the road blocked a closer approach ( could probably be crossed by a high clearance vehicle).An hour's walk on the road past the culvert, led to another obvious road NE, from the end of which a brief climb lead to open talus slopes and the Middle summit. Surprisingly, there was a trail along the summit ridge, which I presume started over on the main summit. It abruptly ends 1/2 way to the South summit, but takes full advantage of the exposure along the ridge with breathtaking views. The SW side of the South peak is bare (marked by an 8' cairn). the descent toward the logging road and Farmer was again relatively painless. Farmer's northern slope is open forest with great views of the entire range of Abraham.
Very few wildflowers unless one counts Indian pipes, but great birds... turkeys, ruffed grouse, gray jays, boreal chickadees, blackpoll warblers, and several species of hawks soaring on the thermals at the summits.
Highly recommended!
