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Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Jefferson, NH
Trails
Trails: Caps Ridge Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside, Jewell Trail, Boundary Line Trail, Jefferson Notch Road
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Friday, October 8, 2021
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Jefferson Notch Road is in good condition. I used the section from Valley Road in Jefferson to the parking area. There were many spots at 9:00AM in the lot. Good views of high peaks from the lot. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The only crossing that was somewhat difficult was Clay Brook on the Boundary Line Trail. I found the best rocks (shape & dryness) a bit upstream of the official crossing. The crossing of Clay Brook on the Jewell Trail is bridged. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trails in good condition. One log on a double logged bog bridge on the Boundary Line Trail is broken but I was able to easily cross on the remaining log (one can even get across the very small watercourse without using the bridge). 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Saw one dog who was doing well at the Jewell - Gulfside junction. 
Bugs
Bugs: None 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Most of the distance was on dry trails. Thankfully, the ledge scrambles were on dry surfaces. These may be difficult if wet or icy. The ledges require hand/foot holds for the safest passage. The cairns marked the way above tree line although care must be taken to spot the next cairn in some cases especially on the Jewell Trail (may be difficult when the summits are in dense clouds). Often the paint blazes on the rocks are faded. I think paint blazing of rocks are now discouraged (or perhaps banned). The Boundary Line Trail's pathway is obvious. I was surprised that there so many nice plank bridges on this lightly used trail.
Great views including downlooks to the colorful valley foliage. I think the Caps Ridge Trail is generally easier than the Castle Trail (definitely shorter). The walk on Jefferson Notch Road was ho-hum but easy. Always nice to walk in the alpine areas on the Gulside Trail.
Met a man who had to turn back on the Caps Ridge Trail due to rotator cuff problems. Too bad, but he made a wise decision. Hiked much of the Caps Ridge Trail with three young hikers from NE CT. Met hikers from Sanford & Scarborough ME on the Gulfside at the Jewell Jct. Walked most of the way down the Jewell Trail with a Marshfield MA hiker.  
Name
Name: WAUMBEK 
E-Mail
E-Mail: waumbek@roadrunner.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2021-10-08 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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