| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Truman, Mt. Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Old Bridle Path, Greenleaf Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Falling Waters Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 16, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
|
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Lots of dogs out today, including mine. All having a blast. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Present (black flies mostly), but not swarming nor biting. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Saw the forecast for today looking at potential tstorms in early afternoon so got an earlier start. 2nd car in the southbound parking lot at 745am, and plenty still in the northbound.
Trail going up Bridle was in great condition. A bit of snow started below Greenleaf but fairly manageable esp early before it was too slippery. Made it up to top of Lafayette without hassle or traction (just my trail runners) and was treated to those incredible bluebird-on-lafayette views. Ridgeline pretty much clear of snow, give it another few days or a week max it'll be all gone.
Descent on falling waters was a bit slow due to the snow present for the first 800-1000 ft down. I didn't have spikes and was fine, just cautious about footing. Most places have enough rocks exposed to avoid the snow or soft snow to make it manageable without, but if you aren't comfortable with slightly slippery conditions either bring spikes for the 20 minutes or wait another few weeks for it to completely melt out.
All and all, made the loop at a slow run/fast hike in about 5 hours, including about a half hour or so snacking and chatting at Lafayette and Lil Haystack.
Met a few groups going up who seemed a bit unprepared - hiking in chucks, didn't have coats, hadn't looked at the forecast, etc. Cautioned them to watch for changing conditions and stay off the ridge if things got stormy. It was just starting to lightly rain as I got back to the car, so hoping they all got down safely. Good reminder to always hike prepared!
|
|
 | Name: |
Erin |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-05-16 |
|
 | 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. |
|
