| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Gale River Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 29, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Gale River Loop closed for the winter! This will tack on a little over 2 miles to your overall hike so be prepared. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All major water crossing had passable snow bridges. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Couple of trees down that will need to be taken care of once the snow melts. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Didn't see any dogs--saw some paw prints though. Should be safe for dogs. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Friday was a beautiful day up in the Whites. Heads up to those not familiar with the area: Gale River Loop Rd. IS still closed along with many other roads up in the WMNF. I've been slacking so I haven't been up in the Whites since last summer and still somewhat new to (properly) winter hiking--so I didn't find this out until I got up there and missed it on the past reviews that mentioned it. So just be aware you'll be tacking on a little over 2 miles onto your hike.
Gale River Loop was packed down and I was actually able to bareboot in without any traction whatsover. The road is eventually what looks to be plowed after you make the turn to head to the trailhead (maybe snowmobiles too). The first third of the trail you can fair easily with microspikes. Saw a bunch of old moose droppings toward the beginning of the trail but no moose. Eventually the snow was soft enough that it was becoming more difficult so I swapped over so snow shoes. This was my first time using snow shoes--this is a good mountain to start on but be prepared to be slowed down if you're not used to them as I was. Trail was packed all the way to the last push and made it up without any issues. Absolutely stunning views from the summit (which I had to myself)!
I decided to swap to spikes for the trek down and made it down the whole way with only postholing a couple of times--but I suspect the warmer temps have made it worse. I fixed whatever postholes I caused. Most of the time it was from me stepping too close to the edge of the trail.
All in all--trail is in good shape and packed down very well. |
|
 | Name: |
M. Sully |
|
 | E-Mail: |
msullivan1127@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-03-31 |
|
 | 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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