| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Emerald Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, July 20, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There was plenty of room at Bowman today. It is a fairly small lot so it could fill on a nice weekend day. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings on Castle Trail and Israel Ridge Path were on rocks. Some rocks are under water level and some of those above the water line are wet or mossy. Care should be taken on the crossings. The crossings were not hazardous since the water level wasn't too high today. On the Castle Trail crossing I found the best crossing just upstream from the indicated crossing point. On the Israel River crossing on the Israel Ridge Path, the first channel is dry and I crossed the second channel on the designated route. I crossed Cascade Brook just upstream from the trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are in good condition. Tree falls were cut up on both the Castle Trail and the Israel Ridge Path. The first ladder on the Israel Ridge Path is useless as the rungs are missing. I think the ladder(s) will be replaced this year. The other two ladders are serviceable but show some wear. I met RMC trail crewmen Justin and Matt who were emplacing a rock step on the Israel Ridge Path. There are saplings intruding in to the Castle Trail but they can easily be pushed aside. The sign for the Cornice Trail on the Randolph Path is quite weather beaten. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
There isn't much water above tree line. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some black flies and mosquitoes in some spots. Overall not bad. The breeze above tree line kept down the bugs. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The Israel Ridge Path is one of my favorite trails because it passes through a nice forest and has great views above tree line. The river crossings can be difficult in high water (Spring run-off or just after a storm). The rocks are moist and mossy on the Israel Ridge Path which adds to the ambiance but may cause slippage.
The timing of the hike was impeccable today as the clouds shaded the sun for the ascent but dissipated when I arrived at the summit of Mt Jefferson which opened up great views.
The descent from Mt Jefferson on the Castle Trail was a rock hopping exercise. The trail below the first Castle down to the Link Trail had many ledges (some were wet). |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-07-20 |
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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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