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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Madison, NH
Trails
Trails: Howker Ridge Trail, Osgood Trail, Watson Path, Brookside, Kelton Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 22, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Randolph East in good condition.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The Bumpus Brook and Snyder Brook crossings were easy as the water levels are low 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Spruce/fir boughs crowding the Howker Ridge Trail especially between the first and second Howk and above the forth Howk. Small diameter tree across the trail between the first and second Howk and a double tree fall across the trail where the Howker Ridge and Pine Link trails run together. Another small tree across the Watson Path. Some loose rocks on the Watson Path above tree line. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Trails are mostly dry at this time. The rough mica schist rocks in the alpine zone may be tough on bare paws. 
Bugs
Bugs: A few but not bothersome 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: I have always enjoyed the ascent of Mt Madison via the Howker Ridge Trail. I prefer the ascent via this trail over the descent as you can view the way upward as you pass over the Howks. The usual muddy spots were dry today. The waterfalls along the route were meager or dry. The ledge areas were dry making for secure footing.

There are many bare hardwood trees. Lots of leaves on the trail covering up the foot bed which hid rocks and roots. The descent via the Kelton Trail was slowed to avoid slippage due to the thick leaf cover on the trail. Be watchful of the blazes on the Kelton Trail while the leaves hide the path.

Plenty of views today. Lots of hikers at the summit. There were few hikers on the paths I took today. These trails usually see less foot traffic than Valley Way.  
Name
Name: WAUMBEK 
E-Mail
E-Mail: WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-10-22 
Link
Link: https:// 
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