| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, October 14, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Gale River Loop Rd remains open. Sadly, there was a dead moose lying in the winter parking lot just before the gate. It was taken away by the time we exited in the afternoon. Parking lot was full upon our 9:30am arrival but fairly cleared out when we returned at 3pm. Many cars parked along roadside. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water levels running low - 3 main crossings about a mile in from trailhead are easily passable. Alternate route along river to wooden (snowmobile) crossing bridge is available but herd path in that direction doesn't look heavily used at this time of year (and is currently heavily covered by leaves). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Garfield Trail is fairly well-blazed in blue in lower sections. Overall, trail is popular and easy to follow with the exception of the river crossing area at the 1.2 mile mark. Look for blue blazes through this area to make sure you stay on route. Peak foliage has past in this area and trails are heavily covered in leaves, which could make route-finding a bit more tricky and slick in spots. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Other than the .2 miles right below summit, this should be a good trail for most dogs. Trail is relatively "smooth" and has a lot of water access, especially down low. |
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 | Bugs: |
minimal |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Another great hike up Garfield to complete it in all four seasons. Garfield Trail is one of the more gradual / moderate trails in the whites and would be a great hike for someone looking to "graduate" into longer 10+ mile hikes. It's basically a long gradual slog for 4.8 miles to the junction of Garfield Ridge Trail. Only the final .2 miles below summit (on GRT) is steep but not technical. We had a mostly blue-sky day and views into the Pemi were spectacular across the very colorful mountainsides all around us. It was quite brisk and gusty at the top with chills likely in the 30's - definitely felt like a preview to winter which is right around the corner! |
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 | Name: |
Charlie |
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 | E-Mail: |
skcharles at comcast dot net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-10-15 |
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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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