1HappyHiker
Well-known member
Trails Involved in Counterclockwise Loop:
Ethan Pond Trail
Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail
Frankenstein Cliff Trail
Falcon Cliff Trail
Dry River Connector Trail
Saco River Trail
Trail Conditons:
Regarding blowdowns, there were several on the 1.2 mile segment of the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail between the falls and the junction with the Frankenstein Cliff Trail. The Falcon Cliff Trail also had a number of blowdowns. Also, there were a number of blowdowns on the Saco River Trail. (The first 0.6 of trail was okay. Most of the blowdowns were along the mile or so stretch approaching the Webster-Cliff Trail.)
The biggest issue along the entire 6.8 mile loop was on the Saco River Trail. This trail has always been somewhat tricky to follow through the area where it crosses several channels of Webster Brook. However, with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, the trail through that area has been obliterated. You need to pick your way through a swath of rocky rubble that is at least 300 ft wide. As of the day of my hike, there were no blazes or cairns to guide you to the other side where the trail picks up again.
Photos from this trek are at my BLOG.
Ethan Pond Trail
Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail
Frankenstein Cliff Trail
Falcon Cliff Trail
Dry River Connector Trail
Saco River Trail
Trail Conditons:
Regarding blowdowns, there were several on the 1.2 mile segment of the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail between the falls and the junction with the Frankenstein Cliff Trail. The Falcon Cliff Trail also had a number of blowdowns. Also, there were a number of blowdowns on the Saco River Trail. (The first 0.6 of trail was okay. Most of the blowdowns were along the mile or so stretch approaching the Webster-Cliff Trail.)
The biggest issue along the entire 6.8 mile loop was on the Saco River Trail. This trail has always been somewhat tricky to follow through the area where it crosses several channels of Webster Brook. However, with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, the trail through that area has been obliterated. You need to pick your way through a swath of rocky rubble that is at least 300 ft wide. As of the day of my hike, there were no blazes or cairns to guide you to the other side where the trail picks up again.
Photos from this trek are at my BLOG.
