| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Pemi East Side Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lincoln Woods parking area off NH 112 is large and paved with a ranger station (closed), open privy (clean and stocked), and kiosks. The lot was alarmingly mostly empty when we arrived and when we left. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There is only one water crossing over the Cedar Brook that takes some time. All others are bridged with man made bridges. Yesterday we were able to cross Cedar Brook with mostly exposed rocks keeping our feet dry. Today the little bit of rain raised water levels enough to force us upriver for alternate crossing options. We did find a viable crossing 0.2 miles upriver but it took some maneuvering to get us across. My feet went in the icy drink helping my son across. My gad it was cold! But I only went to shin depth. Luckily this was day 2 of our 2 day trek and did not impact the remainder of the hike. Hiking poles were a game changer. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are multiple downed trees for the remainder of East Side trail after the gate at the end of the Franconia Brook camping area. A hand saw would dispatch most of them. All signs up and in good shape. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great trail for dogs. Lots of poop bags left behind... |
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 | Bugs: |
Mosquitos attempted to get an early season taste before cooling temps and rain showers ran them off. Ha! Buggahs! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Route:
Pemi East Side Trail from beginning to end then back the way we came.
This venture was part tracing (formerly known as redlining) and part testing of spring camping gear as we had acquired some new pieces. It’s easier to execute backcountry spring camping on forgiving trails...
Pemi East Side trail: this gently graded trail runs parallel to the Lincoln Woods trail on the east side of the Pemigewasset River and junctions with the Wilderness and Cedar Brook trails at its northern terminus. It is not blazed, nor does it need to be. The popular trail begins as a wide gravel road turning into a narrower trail (though still quite wide for a trail) past the gate that marks the end of the Franconia Brook camping area. There are multiple signs up on the earlier sections and the junction at the end is well signed. The footbed was simple to follow for the entirety of the trail.
We elected to hike the entire trail then turn back to look for a backcountry camping spot. A righteous spot was easily located and enjoyed for the night. Only small patches of snow were around the “campsite†until the rains came. After those it was just wet.
Trace amounts of snow were most prevalent during the ascent to the height of land (after veering away from the river) for this trail at the junction with Cedar Brook and Wilderness trails. This was at about 1800 feet. The footpath was clear, the snow mostly covered the sides of the trail and the hillsides. All snow was gone with the afternoon showers from yesterday making our hike out today wet, but snow free.
See note about water crossing. Adults should have no issue even if submerged rocks are used.
Of note, my map indicates a 0.9 mile segment of trail labeled “Pine Island Trail†that diverges off the East Side trail. I saw no sign or evidence to indicate the existence of this trail.
The Pemi East Side trail is a great access point for the trails of the valley floors of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. |
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 | Name: |
Remington34 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-20 |
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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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