| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
West Osceola, Middle Osceola, Mt. Osceola, NH |
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 | Trails: |
East Pond Trail, bushwhack, herd path, Mt. Osceola Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 27, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At 7:30 am few cars in hiker lots. Upon Return mid-day Mt. Osceola Trail was over-flowing and there were 8 cars in the East Pond Trailhead. Bryan came up from Waterville and reported the pot holes were terrible he didn't go home that way. Tripoli Road from 93 side was well graded with lots of cars parked on south side of road for hiking and camping. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
easy rock hop across outlet of East Pond, all streams on Mt. Osceola Trail were bone dry |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The East Pond Trail could use some more water bars to save it!
Mud on Mt. Osceola Trail nearing summit is icky but not sure what can be done of it. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
only water was at East Pond |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Quick hike to East Pond and instead of going up to HOL we went straight up from the outlet of the pond to the shoulder--this shoulder has a few interesting outlooks from its narrow ridge--knife-like-edge before meeting up with the shoulder to the West Peak and woods were tight in few places but mixed spruce with old birches and moose paths made for much better whacking than I had hoped. I don't think we lost or gained anything from not going from the HOL but I like whacking and being off the trail. Nearing the West Peak we followed a faint herd path that is the result of naturally funneling bushwhackers to the summit. We found the recognized summit and pushed thru a few trees to the north to enjoy a huge vista that included the black puffs of smoke from the morning coal cog train on Washington. Slide on East Peak of Osceola oh so nice looking! Then we continued and discovered Peggy's Perch with more pleasing mountain grand vistas. Give this peak a 10! Herd path to Middle was faint in places but good enough that we traveled quickly to Middle and the recognized summit. Poked around on Middle and nice views and an open ledge to the south that could be accessed if you dared jump over a deep crack (we did not, I should bring a rope next time). Herd path from Middle to Mt. Osceola Trail a bit faint in the col but the nearer the Mt. Osceola Trail the more like a full blown trail it became due to many going out and back for the woods (non-bushwhacker-non-compass reading hikers shouldn't try this alone). Seriously, an outhouse should be built near the summit of Mt. Osceola, it is a shit show. |
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 | Name: |
Nordic Gal, bryan |
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 | E-Mail: |
amybike@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-08-28 |
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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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