S. Branch of Carrabassett River near CVR advice

[marty]

Hi all,
just wondering if anyone has any updates on the S. Branch of the Carrabassett River on the AT near Caribou Valley Road. I seem to recall reading that a plank bridge over it may have been washed away. Am expecting rather high water this weekend and wonder if it is passable without major wading.

Thanks in advance,

Marty

 

[jniehof]

The plank bridge is cabled to a rock; it would take quite a bit to wash away permanently. You might have to reel it in with the cable and put it back in place, and if the water's high there's no place for it to set (which may be the report you're referring to...I read one recently indicating the water was quite high and the plank unusable.)

 

[TEO]

According to reports, the water was very high in the first week of July and thruhikers had been descending Sugarloaf via the ski area and were being shuttled around. However, speaking from personal experience, by the 11th, the water had receded dramatically and the plank was in place and usable. You could always call the Stratton Motel and see if they have any up-to-date info.

 

[marty]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I have a sneaking suspicion that the heavy rains they are getting today will rise the water levels once again.

Would not want to walk the plank with water rushing over it

Regards,
Marty

 

[TEO]

Why guess? A quick phone call will likely give you a definitive answer:
(207) 246-4171 (Stratton Motel)

 

[Jay H]

Zero-G and I crossed that river I think the 23rd or so and the plank, indeed is cabled to a rock there and it is still quite far above the rushing water below.

As far as CVR itself, we drove about 3.8 miles in to the steel bridge that MichaelJ posted a picture of awhile ago and we walked the last 1/2 mileish to the AT crossing which is flagged with orange surveyor's tape. The road is in fine shape, other than the usual potholes, and we simply camped at our cars there.

In fact, a bunch of huge huge huge RVs made it up the hill past the steel bridge.... I think I heard them scraping bottom but they did make it up. And indeed, once past the bridge, the road is in good shape..

p.s. Nice to meet you TEO on Old Speck on sunday!

Jay

 

[TEO]

Nice to meet you TEO on Old Speck on sunday!

Likewise to Zero-G & you. That was my twin brother with me. I hope you enjoyed Old Speck as much as I did. Did you do both the Eyebrow & the section along Cascade Brook?

 

[Jay H]

The Carrabassett crossing as of 7/22/2009

Jay

 

[marty]

Thanks Jay!

Looks just like it did when I crossed it six years ago.

Regards,
Marty