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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Madison, NH
Trails
Trails: Great Gulf Trail, Osgood Trail, Daniel Webster Scout Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parking at Great Gulf is open.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: On the Daniel Webster Scout Trail, much of the lower elevations are pretty much one solid drainage where the trail is drowned. You'll make your way, but with wet feet if there's been any recent rain. On the other sections of trail, crossings were either via an improved bridge, bog bridge/puncheon, or easily stepped over.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trails were in good shape overall. Cairns on DWS trail could use some touching up, but they're effective.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Great Gulf trail to Osgood was very pleasant on the way up. Strenuous, but pleasant. DWS trail going down was much harder, and the drainage near the bottom wasn't fun. Weather wasn't cooperative as far as scoring the hundred mile view (more like the hundred yard view at times) but it was still a nice day to be outside, particularly as it was almost 60 degrees and light winds at the summit. Thinking back, I had the mountain to myself all day, which was nice. Beware: the trail is coated in a lot of fallen leaves, and in places where they're wet, slick mud may be hiding beneath. Rocks up on DWS in the talus field were very slippery whenever they were wet, which seemed to be at least 90% of the time. Take your time with footing.

NOTE: There is trail work being done at the bottom of DWS trail. There's a huge detour in place to Dolly Copp along a fire road that will add a couple miles to your trip. Access to/from DWS trailhead is by Great Gulf Link or a road walk.

Pictures and a more detailed report are on my blog.  
Name
Name: Protean Wanderer 
E-Mail
E-Mail: hiker@proteanwanderer.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2019-10-31 
Link
Link: https://www.proteanwanderer.com/2019/10/31/trip-report-mt-madison/ 
Bookmark and Share 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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