| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey's Mill Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 31, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Ferncroft lot is large with ample roadside parking. Lot was nearly full when we arrived at 8am, and cars were along roadside and driveway to lot upon return at about 4pm. Given the nice weather and end-of-summer, it was a popular hiking day. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues - all water crossings running very low, including one on Dicey's Mill with large log bridge |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
WODC has done a terrific job with these trails. Maintained enough so that trails are easy to follow, but not over-maintained to take away from the natural beauty of hiking in the wilderness. There was one 3 foot high blowdown just below Passaconaway on Dicey's Mill but easy to duck under or straddle over. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a number of dogs along trails today. Blueberry Ledge Trail likely not appropriate or safe for many non-experienced hiking dogs given the ledge scrambles below Whiteface summit area. Could be especially tricky coming down ledges. Many dog owners carry / assist their dogs in these areas. |
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 | Bugs: |
None! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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 | Comments: |
It was a popular hiking day on these trails with the cool temps and mostly blue skies. These trails are classic NH trails that offer a great variety of terrain, ranging from steep ledge scrambles to moderate and almost graded foot paths. Ascent up Blueberry Ledge Trail is both challenging and very scenic just below the summit area. Rollins Trail along the Research Bowl offers rolling ups-and-downs (or what some may call "PUDS"!) with some slick roots / rocks to be cautious of in terms of footing. Dicey's Mill Trail from Rollins Trail junction to Passaconaway summit area is persistently steep with some light running water along the trail in short sections.
Overall a really fun day and enjoyable (long) loop to bag both Whiteface and Passaconaway. We hadn't been out to these summits in a couple years (when we climbed them as individual hikes) and forgot how much we loved the natural beauty of these trails and this particular area of the Sandwich Range. Chatted with a number of folks having a terrific day! While there were a lot of hikers out on the trails it never felt crowded or congested. |
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 | Name: |
Charlie |
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 | E-Mail: |
skcharles at comcast dot net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-09-01 |
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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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