| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Air Line, Air Line Cutoff, Osgood Trail, Valley Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 19, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia was, as usual, a madhouse. We got there at 7:30 and cars were just spilling out onto the shoulders of Route 2. When we got back at 5:20, we saw cars parked several tenths away from the trailhead along Route 2. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing major on this route. Snyder Brook was flowing pretty well though. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns that I can remember. Air Line, Cutoff, and Valley Way are all easy to follow. Osgood Trail above Madison, however, is difficult to follow in places when climbing up the steep talus field. To follow the trail, you have to look carefully at the rocks to see which ones have been stepped on. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
An experienced hiking dog wouldn't have much trouble with Valley Way. They might have some trouble on the steep and/or exposed sections of Air Line, and the Osgood Trail between Madison Hut and the summit of Madison. Also, unless you're hiking the day after a rainstorm (which we were), the trails will probably be quite dry. The only real reliable water on this route is at Madison Hut (which dogs are not allowed in). |
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 | Bugs: |
We heard a few clicking insects on the crest of Durand Ridge and on the Osgood Trail up to Madison. They were not annoying. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
What a perfect day to finish my 48! Weather was fairly cool, partly cloudy, and not that windy at the summit. Air Line was a great trail - while it was wet and steep in spots below treeline, the views from the open parts of Durand Ridge were incredible, especially into King Ravine. The Cutoff was somewhat rough but its short length made it a non-issue. The final climb up to Madison from Madison Hut was very steep in places and mostly over exposed rocks. We had incredible views in all directions from the summit. The descent was fine, except some parts were painful and difficult for one person in the group who had a bad knee.
Thanks so much everyone for accompanying me on my final climb of the 48! I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me finish this list. |
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 | Name: |
GN |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-08-19 |
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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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