| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Ice Gulch, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bee Line Trail, road walk, EZ Way, road walk, Ice Gulch Trail, Peboamauk Loop, Cook Path, Grassy Lane, Pasture Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 31, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was at Appalachia anyhow (road parking at 7 AM) but there was space for a couple of vehicles on Randolph Hill Rd. opposite the Ice Gulch Trail entrance early in the afternoon. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All significant ones on this route are bridged. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a couple awkward fallen limbs to navigate in awkward spots through Ice Gulch with it's awkward footing. Blazing on the S side of Ice Gulch is newer looking while it is older and faded on the N side. None of this is a knock on the trail or the obvious work that has gone into it - this has to be a tough area to maintain so kudos to those who do it. Though junctions are signed a good map is handy - especially in the southern Randoplh Paths area. All trails are blazed in orange - so just make sure you are on the trail you want to be on. The sign for entrance to Ice Gulch Trail on Randolph Hill Road faces E - so if you are coming from the W side it is very easy to miss. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Didn't see any. I cannot even imagine taking a dog through Ice Gulch. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
No issues on the lower Randolph Paths or Cook Path. The Peboanauk Loop down by the falls is a bit eroded. Ice Gulch Trail is not like most other trails in that is a constant jumble of boulders at differing angles and elevations. Careful footing is required with every single step: ups, downs, angled, points, edges...they're all here with some roots, slick moss and wet rocks here and there. The only comparison I can make is that it is like Mahoosuc Notch without the crawl-throughs. And yes: ice was plainly visible in the middle of the gulch on this last day of August.
I had been wanting to come here for years and was not disappointed. It is a rough, wild and remote area - qualities I generally like. You may enjoy this one if you have the mindset for such off-the-beaten-path adventures, pay close attention to every foot placement and have strong ankles and knees since they will be twisted and wrenched every which way through the gulch. It almost goes without saying but I did not see another person on this entire route. |
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 | Name: |
HMJ |
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 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees@gmail.com |
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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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