by Terry Harper
Tom,
Yes a standard 4x4 will be just fine. In fact except for the last few miles you could (if careful) use a car.
Good point concerning the route to the west of Chamberlain. That how I went this last time. Just before you cross the bridge at the Telos Ranger station take a left past the parking lot towards Umbazooksus. Just before you get to Umbazooksus Dam the road will split. Bear right. If you come to the dam or the road to Umbazooksus East Campsite you have gone too far. Umbazooksus East campsite was the terminal on Chesuncook. The road follows part of the old roadbed and some of the cribwork etc. that supported the wharf and building still remain.
As you head north west you will in fact cross the EL&WB right-of-way. (N46-11.694', W069-23.227') Its easiest to spot where it comes in on the left. However, it does intersect at a slight angle and can be hard to spot. If you feel like taking a hike head west down the right-of-way to Umbazooksus - its about 3200 ft. from the road.(wear your boots and pack some real strong bug spray!)
Driving north a short distance after crossing Allagash Stream you will come to an intersection with a road coming in from the right and the main road making a very tight bend to the left. Turn right. This is a less traveled road with grass etc. Take the first right and you will be at the boulders.
From what we could tell they are getting ready to harvest this area. Whether or not they will provide a protective corridor for the trail I do not know. If they don't, the trail will most likely be obliterated and you will have to free-lance it through the cutting area.
Yes a standard 4x4 will be just fine. In fact except for the last few miles you could (if careful) use a car.
Good point concerning the route to the west of Chamberlain. That how I went this last time. Just before you cross the bridge at the Telos Ranger station take a left past the parking lot towards Umbazooksus. Just before you get to Umbazooksus Dam the road will split. Bear right. If you come to the dam or the road to Umbazooksus East Campsite you have gone too far. Umbazooksus East campsite was the terminal on Chesuncook. The road follows part of the old roadbed and some of the cribwork etc. that supported the wharf and building still remain.
As you head north west you will in fact cross the EL&WB right-of-way. (N46-11.694', W069-23.227') Its easiest to spot where it comes in on the left. However, it does intersect at a slight angle and can be hard to spot. If you feel like taking a hike head west down the right-of-way to Umbazooksus - its about 3200 ft. from the road.(wear your boots and pack some real strong bug spray!)
Driving north a short distance after crossing Allagash Stream you will come to an intersection with a road coming in from the right and the main road making a very tight bend to the left. Turn right. This is a less traveled road with grass etc. Take the first right and you will be at the boulders.
From what we could tell they are getting ready to harvest this area. Whether or not they will provide a protective corridor for the trail I do not know. If they don't, the trail will most likely be obliterated and you will have to free-lance it through the cutting area.