| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Hayes, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mahoosuc Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Room for several cars in the dirt lot on the north side of the old train bridge crossing on Rt. 16, just north of the VIP auto parts. A kiosk and AMC trail sign start the journey here. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All easily rock hoppable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A step over below the upper crossing of Hogan Road (an overgrown Jeep road), and a step over and duck under above it. None significant. Trail well blue-blazed and signed in the lower road walk section, easy to follow on the trail itself. It's clear that the trail is well maintained and cared for -- clear of leaves, easy to follow. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs on this day. Nothing too steep for healthy hiking dogs, but our hike day was hot and humid, and trail strenuous enough to push most hiking dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
Black flies and mosquitoes swarming in the morning, especially below the Mascot Pond spur. Oddly, less bugs on return in the early afternoon. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Something different: Trailhead on a busy road, cross a train bridge, long road walk, then the hike. Well worth your time. Follow the signs from the parking lot to the trailhead for the 1.5mi road walk. There are several turns, all are marked, a few with 'temporary' AMC signs.
Oddly, the most steep segments are in the lower section of the climb, but footing is good and not exposed. Lower half of the climb is completely dry. Mud comes in on the upper sections, but with plenty of rocks to step on. Ledge views very impressive. Short cairn on the mostly wooded summit. If you like being on the AT in different areas, it's worth the nearly flat 0.2mi past the summit to the AT/Centennial Trail junction.
Also worth the flat 0.2mi spur to Mascot Pond to look up at Leadmine Ledge and look across the pond to more great mountain views.
We hiked on a hot weekday. It's strenuous enough to be a real workout, but terrain is never overly steep. We had the place to ourselves. If you value quiet, something different, and great views, Mt. Hayes should be on your list. |
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 | Name: |
Lord Bass |
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 | E-Mail: |
lordbassatgeemaildotcom |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-05-28 |
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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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