| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Howker Ridge Trail, Osgood Trail, Star Lake Trail, Lowes Path, Spur Trail, Randolph Path |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 4, 2020 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia was already full prior to 7 AM. We found a few spaces at Randolph East. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Rock hoppable |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Cleaned up some deadfall. I don't recollect any blowdowns. Portions of upper Howker Ridge were brushy. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I wouldn't recommend the extended above treeline portion due to the sharp rock and crevasses. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Minimal |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Howker Ridge Trail was damp this morning, as the fog didn't start to burn off until we had nearly cleared treeline. There was a slight dusting of snow/occasional ice (insignificant) on the north side of rocks above about 5,000 feet. South/west/east facing rock was bare. We opted to ascend Star Lake for this reason, which was fine and mostly dry.
Madison Hut is boarded up and the water spigot has been disassembled. Crag Camp is also closed.
For descent, we took the Spur Trail, which had some slippery roots/rocks/leaves, but otherwise was fine. The Randolph Path thereafter is fairly gradual, and was generally dry with some leaf cover.
We saw no other hikers on Howker Ridge Trail, Spur Trail, or Randolph Path. Had Madison to ourselves, but there was a small crowd on Adams. Sort of felt like the old days.
Foliage is past peak, but still some nice colors in places, including King Ravine. |
|
 | Name: |
rocket21 |
|
 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2020-10-04 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
|
|
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. |
|
