Mt. Garfield - Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail - 10-19-2019

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Garfield, NH

	Trails:	Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, October 19, 2019

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Gale River Loop Rd remains open. Parking lot was full upon our 9:00am arrival but fairly cleared out when we returned at 4pm. Many cars parked along roadside.

	Surface Conditions:	Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

	Recommended Equipment:	Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	Water levels running moderate - 3 main crossings about a mile in from trailhead were tricky...poles were helpful.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	There were about 3 blowdowns that require removal from this week's storm...might require a chainsaw...don't recall 100%. 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.

	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. We saw lots of dogs [even small ones] enjoying the hike today.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	Another great hike up Garfield. 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 cloudy day. We put on MicroSpikes on for the final .2 miles to the summit. Hoar frost on the trees further up - definitely felt like a preview to winter which is right around the corner!

	Name:	RollingRock

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2019-10-20

	Link:	https://www.facebook.com/groups/530781167682925/
		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.