| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, Mt. Davis, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, Davis Spur, bushwhack |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 19, 2013 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large lot, plenty of room. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All five crossings on the approach to Mt Isolation were easily rock hopped. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There was some minor brushing evident along the Rocky Branch and Isolation Tr. Lots of large blowdowns removed on both Isolation Tr and Davis Path near their junction. South of Mt Isolation Spur there are more large blowdowns along Davis Path but a hole has been cut through them requiring only a duck under. Rocky Branch Tr still posted as closed between RB Shelter #1 and #2. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
We were the first up the trail today so Marlie led the way. Lots of water to sip and mud to tromp through. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Saw some bees buzzing around in the parking lot. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I decided to mix it up a little on this trip to Mt Isolation. After taking the normal approach via Rocky Branch/Isolation/Davis Path I continued south to Mt Davis to redline the spur to the summit that I had missed ten years ago. I was not disappointed. There are excellent views from the south ledges. I tried to get to the summit proper but impenetrable spruce and 6-8 foot drops would not allow it. Perhaps I should have headed back down the spur path to a more open section of woods then circled around and tried to ascend. From the south summit cairn Marlie and I then entered the scrub to the SE and followed a compass bearing of 114' down. I had planned 115' from the summit proper to hit the junction of RB and Isolation Tr and tried to adjust but came out on the RB Tr about 150 yd south of RB Shelter #2. Close enough for me using only a compass. The woods were thick at first but then opened a little and switched back and forth from mossy ledge to mountain marsh. I wouldn't call it an easy whack but I have been on far worse. It took us just under an hour to descend from the summit to the Rocky Branch Tr. After shaking out the pine needles at the shelter it was an easy cruise back to the parking lot. The whack shaved almost a mile off of the trip and added more views. The best part was that we only saw 5 other hikers all day, three of which stayed the previous night at the shelter.
13.5 miles 3950' elev+ 7 hrs |
|
 | Name: |
IQuest |
|
 | E-Mail: |
iandanner@hotmail com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2013-10-20 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
