| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Carrigain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Sawyer River Road, Signal Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 17, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the first lot because the road was still gated as of 5/17/20. I got there at 8am and I was the 11th car but it's a large lot. Dirt road adds 2 miles one way. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I encountered four water crossings where it was pretty much unavoidable to get wet. One of the four is a large river crossing—very safe and doable but I suggest doing it barefoot, with trail runners, and/or bring multiple pairs of socks. I imagine doing this in the summer would be very refreshing! |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Extreme lack of trail markers, I saw maybe two and they were near the beginning (maybe I was being oblivious?). Multiple trees/branches down but not a problem to get over/under. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs on the trail today. Personally I'd be nervous having a dog on the snow-covered portion of the trail because it's quite skinny, drops down on one side, and there were several very deep postholes. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not many, a couple flies and mosquitoes when I was relaxing by the river. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is a beautiful trail with lots of water which was nice. The first 2 miles are very moderate alongside the river, a nice walk in the woods (although extremely wet and muddy at this time). Snow and steepness both started about the same time at around 2.5 miles. It's pretty much 3 miles of a steep ascent from then on. When you get above treeline it's a stunning walk along the ridge before doing the final climb to the summit where there is a tower to get 360 degree views. The last few miles of the hike seem to last forever but it is 10000% worth it with some of the best views you can get in the Whites. And the way down goes by fast.
Other notes: the gate was closed so I walked the road which was about 2 miles one way. My total distance came in at 14.7 miles with the road.
Traction: As of right now I would say 100% you need spikes, and poles were helpful for balancing. Yes there were numerous postholes but personally I think it would have been difficult to maneuver snowshoes because of how small the trail is up high at this time. |
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 | Name: |
Lisa |
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 | E-Mail: |
lisa3695@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-18 |
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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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