| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Garfield Ridge Trail, Garfield Trail, herd path, woods roads, Gale River Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, June 11, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We were parked at the Gale River TH, about 3-4 cars around 3pm
When we drove by the Garfield TH, it was full at 3:30pm |
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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: |
water is very low, all crossings easy |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
meet one on Garfield |
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 | Bugs: |
not too bad, temps in the mid 40s-50s. Blackflies more notable on the lower portion of the Mt Garfield trail |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
We left the Galehead Hut at 8:15am and made our way along the Garfield Ridge Trail towards Mt Garfield. The trail itself was mostly dry with a few wet slabs and muddy spots to rock hop over. This trail has some pretty rugged sections, numerous rock/boulder slides, with one steep scramble up and over rocks and ledges with running water. Careful footing required.
Mt Garfield, was dry, but the wind was strong and cold. We added out layers and ducted into the fire tower foundation for protection.
The trip down the Mt Garfield trail is not very difficult, but seemed to be a long 5 miles. Since we were parked at the Gale River TH, we took an unmaintained cutoff trail back to a gate on the Forest Road, (1.2 miles). The cutoff is at the three way junction on the Mt Garfield trail, shortly after the brook crossing as you head towards the Garfield TH. The undergrowth on this cutoff is closing in on the trail, and where the trail turns into a woods road the grass is growing tall. We did find a small meadow along this route that was filled with beautiful purple lupines. This cutoff passes by a gate and puts you on the dirt Forest Road, 1 mile from the Gale River TH.
As a side note, we had intended to tent the previous night. When we descended from South Twin the previous evening at 6:30pm, we would of had a 2.6 mile hike to the Garfield campsite. It was late, we were tired (10 mile day with (3) 4ks), and we had no idea if there would be space at the campsite. We considered sleath camping but did not know where along the trail we would find a spot. Needless to say the Hut was a welcoming stay. Always good to carry a credit card and cash. As we made our way, along the Garfield Ridge trail the next morning, we did see 4-5 (previously used) sleath spot that could of worked to set up camp if they were available. Otherwise, it would have been a very difficult 2+ hrs getting to the Garfield Campsite in low-diminishing light. |
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 | Name: |
Diane Stuart |
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 | E-Mail: |
stucroftfarm@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-06-12 |
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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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