| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Castle Ravine Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, July 21, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking in a lot on the old RR right-of-way just of Route 2, 3 miles west of Applachia. About 6 cars when I arrived at 7:40 and 2 when I got back, over 10 hours later. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I counted 9 significant crossings of Israel River and Cascade Brook - one each on Castle Trail and Israel Ridge Path and 6 on Castle Ravine Trail. As IQuest noted, all were rock-hoppable, but several were difficult. I thought the toughest was the first crossing on the C. R. Trail, where I found a spot 10 yards beyond the official crossing where a couple of small logs helped me get over the biggest gap. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I had the Castle Ridge Trail to myself (IQuest starting earlier and hiking faster), but it was in good shape despite its reported little use. The talus field/headwall was slow going for me, but orange paint and many cairns made it pretty easy to follow. Castle Trail also in good shape, but it gets somewhat more use. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The only dog I saw was on the summit of Jefferson, and his people were carrying him. |
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 | Bugs: |
None to speak of. A few small ones buzzing at spots on the lower Castle Trail, but not biting. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Castle Trail; Israel Ridge Path; Castle Ravine Trail; Gulfside Trail; Mount Jefferson Loop; Castle Trail
The Castle/Castle Ravine Trail loop to Jefferson seems uncommon, so I was surpised to discover that IQuest had hiked a more ambitious variation the same day. He hiked 15.6 miles in less time than it took me to hike 11 and change, so I must be getting old! The many river crossings and the talus field/headwall slowed me down on the C.R. Trail, while the whole upper half of the C. Trail, while extremely scenic and excellent - somewhat reminiscent of the Knife Edge on Katahdin - was rock-hopping, also very slow for me. |
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 | Name: |
Amicus |
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 | E-Mail: |
mcsamicus@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-07-23 |
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 | Link: |
 https://amicus.smugmug.com/Hiking/2013/Jefferson-by-Castle-Ravine-and/30676356_dbKFBK#!i=2650024785&k=ZCLbdng |
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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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