| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Garfield Ridge (East Peak), Garfield Ridge (West Peak), Mt. Garfield, Garfield Pond, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, herd path, bushwhack, abandoned Garfield Pond Cut-Off, Garfield Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 27, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I got one of the last few spots at the Garfield trailhead on Gale River Road at 7:45, and it was filling up fast. Cars were parked along the road upon my return. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No problems. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One minor blowdown on Gale River Trail. The Garfield Pond Cut-Off, abandoned in 1971, is in amazingly good shape. There is one swampy section near the pond and it takes care to follow in spots, but north of the pond it is in fine condition. If headed along Garfield Ridge Trail toward the Lafayette, the old trail turns right just after the pond. This is just beyond a sign stating "<-- Garfield Ridge Trail -->. This sign's placement may not make sense now, but would have when the cut-off was open. The cut-off pops out at the uppermost switchback along the Garfield Trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure, if they are hearty trail dogs. Garfield Ridge Trail is rugged, especially climbing the steep east side of Garfield. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not really. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
A grand tour of the Garfield Family yesterday. I did the Gale River Road walk first, and I'm glad I did, that would have sucked at the end.
Smooth sailing up to the ridge along Gale River Trail. From the junction, I headed west along the ridge, soon reaching the obvious herd path for East Peak. It's no more than 100 - 150 ft. to the summit, where there is a small PVC canister and register (a boulder 20 - 30 feet behind the canister may actually be the high point). Great views from the ledges, especially if you drop down to the lower ledges, where the vista really open up. Back on trail, I went over the ups and downs along the ridge before hitting the height-of-land before the Franconia Brook Trail junction. Here, there is a faint herd path leaving the trail, easy to miss. It disappears frequently and intertwines with other paths, so I wouldn't call it reliable. Bushwhacking about due south for 0.1 mi., I arrived at the wooded West Peak, where there is a glass pickle jar and register. This peak is tougher than East, with thicker woods. I returned mostly the same way, heading more east to avoid the dense stuff.
Back on the ridge, I then started the brutal climb up Garfield. I didn't think the trail lived up to its reputation until I got here. Very steep and rugged all the way up. The waterfall section was "interesting" for sure. The summit was not as crowded as I expected, which was good. Many through hikers along the ridge and at the summit. Stellar views on this day.
Leaving the summit, I continued along the ridge, taking a bit of a gamble, as I wasn't sure I'd be able to find the junction of the abandoned trail by the pond. But it turned out to be fairly obvious. This was good, as I didn't want to reclimb Garfield! The first part of the old trail weaves in and out of old campsites and can be confusing. Just stick close to shore and you should find it. After the pond, the trail is much more obvious, dumping you right out on Garfield Trail. From there, it was a long walk back down the valley to my car.
A long and tiring day, but I hit all my objectives for this hike. Also nice to run into Hamid, Kyle and Sarah, who were all out doing their respective Pemi Loops. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-08-28 |
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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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