| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Firescrew, Crag Shelter, Hanging Rock, Cilley's Cave (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Manning Trail, Mowglis Trail, Hanging Rock Spur, Elwell Trail, Back 80 Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, May 13, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
A practically empty lot at AMC Cardigan Lodge. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The most significant crossings on this route are on Back 80 and they are low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Manning has some serious erosion on the way up to the first outlook. The most notable blowdown was along this trail, less than a mile from the lodge, where there is a large widowmaker that's just holding on by the bark. A short relocation has been flagged and cut on Elwell Trail just west of the junction with Back 80. This bypasses a steep, slippery slab pitch. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
When they were out, they were OUT. I used the head net for the first time this season. Above treeline there was enough wind. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found a seashell on a tree branch along Elwell Trail. Left it there as it's weird. |
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 | Comments: |
A beautiful day for one of my favorite loops in this area. All of these trails were mainly dry with scattered wet and muddy areas here and there. All open ledges were dry.
On the descent from Firescrew I stopped at Crag Shelter, which is in its usual "rustic" condition. Hanging Rock Spur is marked with a cairn -- the former sign is long gone but a nail and impression from the sign can still be seen on a tree.
I also stopped by the access point for Cilley's Cave but didn't end up going down. If you are familiar with this location, there are now two well-marked routes down the extremely steep cliffs.
The return trip was a lovely walk through the Cardigan backcountry and part of why I really like this route. A grand total of one person seen all day. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-05-13 |
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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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