| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Madison Trail, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Inlook, Kelton Path, Brookside, Lower Bruin, Osgood Trail, Beechwood, Sylvan Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia parking lot had a half dozen cars at 530am and about a dozen at 1130am. |
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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: |
The first water crossing (Brookside across Snyder Brook) was no problem. The second water crossing (Kelton back across Snyder Brook back to Brookside) had me scratching my head for a moment but was possible via easy rock hopping about 20’ upstream. The third water crossing that I looked at, laughed, and turned around was Watson Path. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to go that way, anyway, due to the winds, and the water crossing sealed the deal. However, in the heat of summer, that’s going to be my route of choice because you can walk through a small pool to the other side! |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Someone did some significant work on Valley Way - thank you!!!! There was a really large obstacle near the tentsite spur over the winter - that was a lot of work to clear! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
NA |
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 | Bugs: |
Yes, at the lower elevations. Ugh. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
NA |
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 | Comments: |
I took the “scenic route,†as described in The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains book. Inlook has ledges with views to Madison and Adams. And then you get to Dome Rock, which is a beautiful view east, and since I was there in the early morning, I have terrific sun photos! You then make your way on Kelton which feels much more remote and rugged than the other trails that I have been on, out of Appalachia. Once you cross back over Snyder Brook you parallel it going upstream (of course), and eventually reach Salmacis Falls, which is close up and pretty. These trails were just as expected - running water where you think there would be and minimal avoidable mud.
And then it’s up to Valley Way and the hut. The summit climb had a bit more wind than I expected based on my interpretation of the MWOBS higher summit forecast. It didn’t feel unsafe but I was definitely worried I would lose my favorite hat (I did not!!)
I took some planned detours (tracing!) before returning to my car and learned that there is a pretty large maple sugar operation right there in the WMNF. (Beechwood and Sylvan). Who knew? |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-06-01 |
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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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