| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bear Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Alexandria-Hebron Turnpike, Bear Mountain Trail, Elwell Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 31, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I've gotten my low clearance car to the Bear Mountain trailhead on the turnpike, 0.6 mi. from Bear Mountain Road before, but today I parked 0.3 mi. in at the pulloff and walked the road the rest of the way. Regular cars can make it with care to a fork just past the trailhead, where there is limited parking. Going beyond the fork requires 4WD and high clearance. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns, but these trails are so lightly traveled that the footbed isn't always apparent. Plenty of blazing to lead the way though. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I guess, but they'd need to comfortable on steep terrain. |
|
 | Bugs: |
A few gnat-ey things along the turnpike. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
I'd been to Bear before, but not up Bear Mountain Trail. Holy steep this trail is steep. Along with Holt Trail on Mt. Cardigan, I'd say this is one of the steepest trails in southern NH - 800 ft. ascent in 0.5 mi.
Once on the ridge I rambled up Elwell Trail to Bear. The trees are growing up, but still a good view of Newfound Lake from the summit. Not wanting to descend BMT, I continued down Elwell. I hadn't been in this area since 2013, and I guess I had forgotten how steeply Elwell drops off the ridge. 😳 So, I guess I didn't save myself too much effort. At least Elwell angles down the slope so it's a little more forgiving. I descended down to the turnpike, the walked that back to the car.
The trails were dry, but descent was tricky and slow due to heavy and slippery leaf cover, a by-product of not much foot traffic out this way. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-08-31 |
|
 | 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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