NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Isolation, NH
Trails
Trails: Davis Path, Stairs Col Trail, Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Isolation Spur
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, November 28, 2020
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Four other cars parked at Davis Path Trailhead Saturday morning, only ours at 6pm Sunday. Saw four people on trail Saturday, zero people on trail Sunday.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: River crossings on Rocky Branch Trail were difficult, and rock hopping would likely be impossible if water levels were just a few inches higher. Isolation Trail also had a similarly difficult crossings. Some river rocks were frozen Sunday morning, which made things more difficult.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Not many trail markers on the Rocky Branch Trail between Stairs Col and Isolation Trail, trail was a little difficult to find at times. Some blow downs on Isolation Trail, most have been cut up; there are several "duck unders". Davis Path from Mt. Isolation to ~Stairs Mountain is very overgrown and was quite difficult to follow at a couple points. Lots of flowing - standing water on Davis Path. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Overall, the Isolation Loop was an adventurous, committing loop on some of the more rarely traveled trails in the Whites (committing in that several of the river crossings could have been more difficult to cross in the reverse direction). Camped Saturday night at the Rocky Branch #2 location - there is no tent platform or shelter there. I wouldn't recommend the loop to a friend during the shoulder seasons or winter, where I imagine following the actual trail would be impossible. Maybe best in the summer during low water? Positive notes: clear skies and views of the Presidentials from Isolation, beautiful sunset on the Davis Path slabs Sunday night  
Name
Name: Zach Grosso 
E-Mail
E-Mail: zacharysgrosso@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2020-11-30 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved