| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Avalon, Mt. Willard (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, Mt. Avalon Spur, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 4, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roadside at Crawford Depot. Holy crow. I set out at 7am with only a few other cars there. When I returned, parking was ... something else. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues with either brook crossing. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The logs blocking the hard left turn on Avalon Trail above the A-Z junction were moved, causing several parties to continue straight and therefore wander off-trail. I put the logs back in and brushed in the trouble spot so hopefully the turn is more obvious now. Avalon Trail has many areas of severe erosion. Was also dismayed to find new herd paths around the summit area leading to viewpoints. A couple of blowdowns above the A-Z junction. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
An early start on this hike helped to get a jump on the crowds. I was so early that the summit remained in a cloud before clearing out later. Avalon Trail was wet on the steeps, requiring some care on the descent. Some areas of minor mud and all streams were flowing nicely.
From Avalon, I attempted to whack over to Willard (thanks to Zachary for the inspiration) but quickly abandoned that idea. I tried to skirt around the north face of Avalon, but the terrain is extremely steep cliffs and tons of boulders with many hidden holes just awaiting injury. I bailed and headed back to the trail. Perhaps there is a better route.
Coming down, I put three parties back on trail after the wrong turn mentioned above, broke the news to one of them that Avalon Trail doesn't go to Mt. Willard, and encountered two others headed for Avalon who thought they were going to Willard. Some other folks didn't know where the main trailhead at the depot was (?). Lots of folks headed in as I was coming down who didn't seem to know where they were going. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-10-04 |
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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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