Mt. Garfield - Gale River Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, bushwhack - 3-10-2021

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Garfield, NH

	Trails:	Gale River Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, bushwhack

	Date of Hike:	Wednesday, March 10, 2021

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Small plowed lot just off route 3 before gate on forest road 92 (Gale River Loop Road). Only two vehicles in the lot today.

	Surface Conditions:	Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular

	Recommended Equipment:	Snowshoes, Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	Thompson and Spruce brooks crossed on snow bridges that were firm today.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trails in good condition. Tree falls (small diameter) high up on Garfield Trail. Easy to get by. Can't see below snow cover to the eroded surface of the trail.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Fine for dogs. Al Capone enjoyed the hike on Mt Garfield.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:	One glove and one glove liner on FR92 gate post


	Comments:	The surface was very solid from route 3 to the summit in the AM hours. I wore microspikes the entire distance without hole punching. Most of the trail has a modest grade. No bare ground exposed (so no mud). Used snowshoes on descent to avoid digging in to the surface as the temperatures climbed in the PM and softened the snow. Used an existing alternate snowshoe trail on descent that bypassed the switchback section of the Garfield Trail. Although the alternative route is steeper than the official trail, the grade is still moderate. The Garfield Ridge Trail heading to Garfield Ridge campsite had an old snowshoe track that was partially filled in by snow. The herd path from Garfield Trail to Garfield Pond had not been broken out. Smelled the scent of the red fox (skunk-like odor). Gray Jays on top. Met Pauline and her dog Al Capone on the summit. We had a nice conversation while descending the mountain. Great views on the peak. Ice coating on the higher elevation birches glistened in the sunlight.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	waumbek@roadrunner.com

	Date Submitted:	2021-03-10

	Link:	https://
		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.