| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Avalon, Mt. Field, Mt. Willey, Mt. Tom, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, Avalon Spur, Willey Range Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, A–Z Trail, Cascade Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 11, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lots of parking (lot, lodge, road) |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A handful of water crossings, I think only two where you had to be strategic to get across. Nothing too crazy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few blowdowns but most had been cut already (thank you!) |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw lots of dogs, dog-friendly hike. Although some people do not leash/control their dogs which normally I don't care but when your dog is soaked and covered in mud maybe it shouldn't be rubbing against everybody. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Saw one beanie hat on A–Z trail. |
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 | Comments: |
I heard there was ice on parts of the trail but with Saturdays higher temps it was melted by Sunday so we had quite a wet hike but manageable, just be ready for either mud or ice depending on the recent temps.
Lots of trees already lose their fall foliage, but beautiful nonetheless whether it be the orange/yellow leaves gracing the first section of the trail, or the green pines and moss surrounding you at higher elevation :)
I suggest going clockwise—Avalon first, Tom last.
This is a gorgeous hike with views from each of the four summits—Willey and Avalon being the best, but Field and Tom also providing very nice views; sometimes you just have to find the right spot not actually at "the summit" spot. (Note: not encouraging going off trail, but there are some small skinny trails leading to lookouts). Sections of the trails also have good views.
I wouldn't consider this hike hard at all, more moderate. It's about 10 miles but with the abundance of peaks you're hitting it goes by quickly and is never that tiresome at all. All around beautiful scenery for the whole duration.
Take the Cascade Loop on your way back for some beautiful waterfalls!!
Heard group of white teenagers at summit of Willey using the N word—very disappointing.
Last note: I noticed several times along the hike there was white soapy looking bubbles/foam in the trickling water on the trail, anybody know what causes that or what it is? |
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 | Name: |
Lisa |
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 | E-Mail: |
lisa3695@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-10-12 |
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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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