| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Daniel Webster Scout Trail, Osgood Trail, Great Gulf Trail, Great Gulf Link |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 26, 2020 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Within Dolly Copp campground I parked by the bathroom house just beyond the entrance of DWST @ 7:30 AM. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None on this route. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One new looking fallen tree at the start of DWST and another about waist high maybe 2 miles in (I forgot to note distance/elevation) that requires a duck/crawl under or a hop-n-spin over. Above tree line cairns on this trail are varied in size so you may have to look for a moment or two at points. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw one going up DWST. I do not have a canine companion but I'd be inclined to leave Fido at home for this one as the trail is steep with some semi-scrambles and some sharp rocks under foot. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
My goal was to enjoy the foliage and the forecast but not deal with crowds so I came up with this - and am very glad I did. DWST warms up for a couple of miles before steepening and eventually popping out of the trees and scrub. If you need a breather higher up just take one, turn around and enjoy the splendid views. At Madison's summit there were only 8-10 people milling around but I'm thinking I beat the lunch crowd - but even so I went back down to Osgood Junction and sat there for a half hour in complete solitude. Descent down Osgood Trail was uneventful as was the return to Dolly Copp by Great Gulf Trail and Great Gulf Link.
On ascent I saw four others on DWST and encountered only five others descending Osgood including two AT flip-floppers. Hardly anyone on the lower trails either: maybe another six or so out for a walk. Weather was near perfect to be above the trees and the foliage was outstanding. Very light foot traffic on the east side of the mountain also. I'd say my goal was achieved.
BTW: water at Osgood tentsite is flowing very lightly so plan accordingly. |
|
 | Name: |
HMJ |
|
 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2020-09-27 |
|
 | 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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