| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation , NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, herd path, David Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 14, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was surprised to see that I was only the fourth or so car at 7:30am. Only about a half dozen more when I returned shortly before 2pm. As I was driving south from Berlin I drove through a rainstorm so decided to wait it out and got gas at the Irving at Glen Jct. For any other cheapskates out there like me, it’s one of the only places around with prices still isn’t $3/gal! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Because I opted not to do any of the bushwhacks (too wet) I had to brave all the crossings. Not that I thought they’d be bad. The first one took some poking around. I went maybe 50ft downstream or so where there were more rocks to hop on and crossed there. I avoided the 2nd and 3rd crossings by the herd path as the crossing there didn’t look immediately doable without wet feet. The fourth and last crossing was the easiest I suppose as I went straight across although I still took my time and poles were definitely helpful. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I remember straddling something at one point. Must’ve been those blowdowns in the notorious blowdown patch on the upper teachers of Isolation west. Also many old little stepovers on Rocky Branch where the trail does all the climbing. A widowmaker/leaner near the top of this section too. Rocky Branch Trail to the wilderness boundary is blazed in yellow. Beyond that, the trails are not blazed to Isolation. All the signage was there. Obviously some big bridges could be replaced on Davis Path and elsewhere. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One seen that was friendly enough to lick my leg which I didn’t particularly appreciate. Might be a long hike for some dogs but lots of water and only a bit of scrambling at the top. |
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 | Bugs: |
Depended on what the weather was doing as it was doing so many different things today but yes there were some pesky mosquitos when I stopped in the morning sun but not too bad all in all. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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|
 | Comments: |
Not my 3rd grid peak of 19 needed this month. Better get crack in’. I’d wanted to do the Iso Expresd bushwhack today and even Engine Hill if it made sense but the vegetation would’ve been very wet and I would’ve gotten soaked so I opted for the usual route with the one exception being I cut the corner and took the herd path at the campsite sign to access Davis Path. Cuts off a short amount of distance.
It had just downpoured if not directly there, nearby, before I started so things started off very wet although the clouds had left leaving things a sunny humid mess. The usual spots of mud and water on the trail around the HOL. Rocks were wet so perhaps a bit slick but I noticed them much more on the way down when I fell twice. This was because it sprinkled a few times on my descent giving them a nice, slick coat. Davis Path was nice and mucky just like we’re used to.
I was very surprised to not start until 7:37am, summit just before 11am and have the summit to myself not seeing a single person yet. I saw maybe a half dozen groups on the way down but still crazy that I hiked a 4k on a weekend starting at a reasonable time and didn’t see anyone until I descended. And even then, not many people out. The forecast must’ve kept a lot of people away. Not nearly as many cats as usual at 19MBT. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-08-14 |
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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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