Hester Lake #1005.1

As is the case with most reports on Hester Lake, it is a mess...and is advisable only if you like a muddy/flooded trail with multiple blowdowns, stream crossings, and plenty of routefinding. It is generally an unmaintained trail. Once you cross over Dingford Creek(expect to get your boots wet here) the trail is Okay..until you reach the marshlike meadow which is covered by a braided stream, and frogs, and still has lots of snow. It becomes very clear that if you don't have previous experience with the trail, you don't know where to go, because when I was up there on 7/17/08 the trail disappears completely. As a newcomer to Hester Lake, I turned around, after searching for some sign of a trail(no sign!) and went back. It would be better to wait until the snow melts. Myrtle is a better option at least while the snow is on the ground.