| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Galehead Mountain, Garfield Ridge - East Peak, Garfield Ridge - West Peak, Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, bushwhacks, Garfield Trail, old snowmobile trail, Gale River Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 17, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The Gale River Tr lot was about half full at 7:30 am and full at 3pm. Some jack wagon set up a tent two spaces over from the trailhead.
Garfield Tr parking lot was overflowing at 3 pm with about two dozen cars. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All were low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails were in good shape. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
There is some rough terrain across the Garfield Ridge and a couple short scrambles. Experienced trail dogs should have no problems. Gale River Tr and Garfield Tr Re dog friendly. There is some water along the ridge but it would be a good idea to bring some extra for your pup. |
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 | Bugs: |
There were some buzzing at lower elevation but none biting. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found a 420 IPA beer bottle just north of Garfield Pond. |
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 | Comments: |
After a quick hike up to Galehead Marlie and I headed west towards Mt Garfield. Along the way I decided to try and find the East and West peak of Garfield Ridge. I found what I believe were the two highest points on the first bump which at the time I thought was E Pk. But now I'm not sure since I didn't find the canister. The west peak, although a little further off of the trail was more obvious.
After summiting Mt Garfield, we descended to the west to Garfield Pond. I wanted to find the abandoned Garfield Pond Cutoff but there were numerous herd paths around the pond including one that led to a couple piles of uncovered human feces. The herd paths soon petered out and it became very thick around the pond. I crossed the outlet and was never really sure where the old trail was as I zig zagged back in forth as I made my way east. After pushing through some very thick spruce and tight trees. We eventually popped out on the Garfield Tr a short distance below the seventh switchback. In hind sight I must have been too low after leaving the pond.
After a quick descent of Garfield Tr we headed east on the old Corridor 11 back to Gale River Loop Rd. 15 minutes later were returned to the parking lot.
14.5 mi. 4400' elev + 7 hr 15 min |
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 | Name: |
IQuest |
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 | E-Mail: |
iandanner@hotmail com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-09-18 |
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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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