| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Gordon Pond, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gordon Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 4, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked in the north pull off across from Mountainside Road. I was the only one there at 0745. Packed upon return at 1300 with people set up down on the river. Room for maybe 15 cars between the two areas on either side of where the restaurant used to be. No charge. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The first crossing of Gordon Brook is blazed at what would be about a five foot drop down to the rocks. Much easier crossing about 50 yards before that. Be aware that the main trail running up to Kinsman Ridge crosses a brook and bears left just before the spur that leads to the pond (easily missed although there is a blaze) |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Gordon Pond Trail in fine shape. One large and recent blowdown just before the second power line crossing (has fresh green leaves still). Easy du k under though. Blazes are faded before the falls but the trail is easy to keep. Higher up, the blazes are very fresh and placed exactly where they need to be. Awesome job on this trail, whoever maintains it. Thanks! Kinsman/AT is is good shape as well. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Brought my lab and he had a great time. Lots of mud. Be aware that there is little water above Gordon Pond and back down to Rte 112. The road walk back was tough as the pavement was hot for his paws but the gravel on the shoulder was quite rough. |
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 | Bugs: |
If you’re moving they weren’t a problem. Wore deet but may not have needed it. Picked up a tick on from the side of the road on the walk back to the car. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
There was a pair of black crocs at what looked to be an active camp site at Gordon Pond so I left them there. |
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 | Comments: |
Very nice redlining hike. Gordon Pond is a great trail with easy footing and grades for the majority of the way. Between the Falls and Pond get ready for some mud. Real mud. Like shin/knee deep mud in places. Unavoidable too. This trail could easily become a quagmire (gigity) in a rainy spell or spring/fall. At the start, the maze of snowmobile trails and signs throws you a bit but just keep and eye on your map and bearing. Saw several NOBO through hikers on Kinsman Ridge and wished them well. Amazing to see the forest fire damage up close coming down to Rte 112. There’s a lot of grass on the trail there. Weird to find that in the forest. Ticked above 20% today, which is nice. If you do this hike, be aware that the road walk back can be tough, as in spots there are blind curves with little to no shoulder. |
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 | Name: |
Captainicebeard |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-08-04 |
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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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