| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jackson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Webster-Jackson Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 14, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There were still a couple of spots left in the main lot for Webster Jackson (just south of the trailhead and on the west side of the notch just after you drive through the small gap) at 9-9:30am. There were still lots of cars parked along side the road but nothing crazy. You can park at the AMC Highland center for $10/day. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water was low and none of the crossings were an issue. The crossing of Flume-Cascade Brook is a little steep and may be difficult for people with bad knees or in poor shape. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The entire trail is blazed in blue as it connects to the Appalachian Trail (Webster Cliff Trail). Down low, it was blazed pretty regularly if not frequently but the blazing became increasingly sparse as you gained elevation. I think it was still pretty regular on the beginning of Jackson Branch but became much less frequent as you approached the ledges. I only noticed two mostly faded/rubbed off blazed on the ledges above treeline. The trail is well signed and cleared of blowdowns with some trail maintenance quite clear :) Thanks to whoever took care of many large blowdowns! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one very small dog that spooked my mom and made her scream 😂 Other than being a ways ahead of the owner the dog was very well behaved though. Many dogs will need a boost up the steep scrambles near the summit. This is a heavily trafficked trail so your dog should be leashed unless it’s very well trained. |
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 | Bugs: |
They were nearly non-existent :D |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None. Minimal trash :) |
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 | Comments: |
A short, but not-so-fast, out-and-back to Jackson for my mom to get another 4000 footer. We did Pierce in June with my father and were in cloud and it was cold and windy. My mother is a sucker for a good view so we were very disappointed she didn’t get to have much of one after all that work. Luckily, today made up for it :) Great, open views at the summit.
It’s been years since I’ve been on this trail in summer. And compared to most trails I’ve been on as a redliner this one is not very nice. I imagine that the trail is significantly more damaged than even just a few years ago when I last did it in summer. I wish I had pictures to compare. The trail is very heavily trafficked and thus is very, very eroded. This leads to an even more rocky and rooty trail than it naturally is. I think eroded trails also tend to be wetter too. Even with how little water we’ve gotten, there were still some wet spots on the trail and wet rock. The rock was quite grippy though so it shouldn’t be too slick as it offers some good traction. The mud on the lower part of the trail has dried very nicely. Just one or two small muddy spots higher up that aren’t dry. Not very deep though. The trail is also rather steep at times and the scrambles near the summit would be very difficult for people without some practice or if they’re in poor shape or have bad knees.
I might encourage people to access this trail via Webster Cliff Trail given how eroded this trail is. Webster Cliff is longer and also has some steep/scrambly parts but is much less used and has fantastic views on the way up. Saw lots of people but it didn’t feel crowded. Not bad for a Friday in Crawford Notch. Had some very nice conversation with a few including two women from Rhode Island and Eric and his friend. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-08-16 |
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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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