| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Carrigain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Signal Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 3, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Usual decent amount of parking at the summer lot. The access road is in good shape, but not as wide as it once was. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
With the trail changes there's only the one significant crossing just up from the old intersection with Carrigain Notch. Today it was a mix of rock hop and debris walk which was easy. Come ice and snow in the coming weeks and spring melt it could be tricky, even difficult. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail was pretty clear, maybe a new slide/duck around on the switchback and a couple rotten pieces up high that are more step ons than step overs. A little water in the trail in places but not much. Some of the waterbars were filled with leaves and rocks; I did some minor work on some in the lower sections where the trail begins its climb. The lower part of the never ending switchback continues to erode some, but there's really no indications a hurricane had been around. The first and third sections of new trail were in good shape and avoided difficult stream crossings. The middle re-route was muddy and on the way back I checked out the old section of trail and found it much more enjoyable to hike now; come winter that might change if the washout area was dangerous. But all old sections of trail are blocked by debris at both ends. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Pepper had fun even getting into the water early on. There's no major water after the climb starts but there were seeps to drink. There's no rough walk or tricky ledge; it's easy on the paws. We met Mack, a nice dog that had long springy short haired legs; he looked like he could cover ground fast. He made Pepper seem so small; good thing he's tough. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
It's a good time to hike this trail, before the road closes but with almost no signficant effects of Sandy. It was Plan B for us with low clouds and snow on the peaks.
We saw some white stuff at around 3300' and more of it starting just above the never ending switchback. But it was minor, maybe making some rocks slick. We met a fair number of hikers including Big Earl and Sue, it being Plan D for them. One guy and Mack his dog were doing the loop up Signal and down Desolation, which is the best way to hike this peak. Kudos to those who put in the new trail sections, even if the routes do meander a lot. There's a lot of materials in one place on the trail and in the "alcove" next to the lookout tower. I skipped going up the tower since it was windy and there were no views, but Pepper went. Later in the day the clouds lifted and other peaks could be seen. The hike down in the hardwoods was pleasant stroll out. |
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 | Name: |
Pepper and Me |
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 | E-Mail: |
windrivrsjohn at gmail dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-11-03 |
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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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