Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
None , NH |
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| Trails: |
Dilly Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 15, 2017 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roadside at entrance to Lost River Reservation (closed for the season). |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
See comments below. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Not suitable for dogs. |
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| Bugs: |
Nope. |
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| Lost and Found: |
Found lots of firefighting gear in place. |
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| Comments: |
*** THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, PLEASE DO NOT HIKE IT. CONDITIONS ARE DANGEROUS RIGHT NOW. ***
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With express permission from SPNHF, myself (as volunteer land steward for Lost River) and an SPNHF Easement Steward climbed part of the trail today to assess damage from the still burning forest fire.
The lower half was fairly easy going and relatively untouched. Fire gear is still in place and a hose is running up the trail. About halfway up we ran into a thick jumble of blowdowns completely blocking the trail, where we turned back. Above here, from what we could see, the trail was more open and the ridge above is definitely more bare now. We encountered several smoldering areas and one small area of flame. The fire is burning underground in many spots. A few fire breaks have been cut perpendicular to the trail and the corridor is now wider due to trees being cleared by fire crews.
Soil, trees and rocks have been undermined by the fire and rockslides are a strong possibility, especially after winter once water starts running down the slopes. Many areas of brushy "handrails" around some of the lower scrambles are now gone.
Another assessment of the trail will be made after winter and the snow is gone. Again, please do not hike this trail, as it is it potentially dangerous due to damage from the still burning forest fire. Trail closed signage has been posted at the bottom of the trail. The contents of the kiosk and the descriptive signs at the bottom have been removed for now, and the trail entrance has been closed off with surveyors tape. |
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| Name: |
KenM |
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| E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-10-15 |
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| Link: |
https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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