Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
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| Trails: |
Valley Way, Valley Way Tentsite Spur, Osgood Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, April 30, 2016 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the AT lot |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Spring Snow |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
A handful of water and brook crossings, all easily rock hoppable |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
a few tree blowdowns, can step over and one to duck under |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
Mosquitoes slowly grazing by still water sources |
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| Lost and Found: |
Beige hat by a sign at the Madison Spring Hut |
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| Comments: |
Beautiful clear day for a hike up via Valley Way, the first 1.5 miles were dry and pleasant. The next 0.5mi gradually became muddy. Starting at mile 2, we had to throw on spikes due to enough frustration going off the trail and tree-grabbing to avoid stretches of ice. We hiked to the Valley Way tentsite which was completely clear of any ice/snow (bonus: ZERO WIND) and set up camp. Small stream of water nearby. Finished Valley Way from the tentsite which was made difficult with the thick layer of ice on stretches of near-vertical climbing, pretty impossible to go off-trail due to the narrow path, crampons or spikes are necessary for that last half mile to the hut. Immediately out of tree line and the trail is clear. Left our spikes at the hut, took on the last 0.5mi scramble to the summit, couldn't get enough of the views! Heading back down to the campsite was difficult in some steeper sections of the ice, some sliding with spikes on. |
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| Name: |
Deana |
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| E-Mail: |
dtoussi22@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-05-01 |
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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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