| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - Northwest Peak (Northwood), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Old Mountain Road, Lalish Trail, Southern Overlook Trail, herd path, Northern Overlook Trail, Ravine Loop, Parsonage Loop Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 25, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the maintained end of Old Mountain Rd. in Northwood, near a pond. Do not block the private driveway here. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The brook crossing right at the start of Lalish Trail and the one on lower Parsonage Loop Trail were slightly high, but still easily hopped. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some of the trail junctions could use more signage. Perhaps this is in the works since these trails are new. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs should probably be leashed around the trailhead and along Old Mountain Road as there are farm animals at a nearby residence. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Good news for southern NH hikers. The town of Northwood has created a new trail system on Saddleback that leads just about to the true summit (on private land; reached by a herd path) and runs over the southwest summit. A friend and I were out here the other day and I returned today to poke around some more. Trails lead to two okay ledge outlooks, along cascades, and through an interesting ravine where there is a narrow gorge. The trail system here connects to the trails within Northwood Meadows State Park, so longer hikes and loops are possible. Footbeds on most of these trails are not yet worn in, but everything is blazed well.
No snow or ice left. The ground was mostly bare, though fairly wet and muddy in places from the recent rain. A few puddles in spots. The mountain was draining well, with all streams and brooks running strong.
A trail map is available from the town of Northwood website (link below), but Ravine Loop is not shown. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-25 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.northwoodnh.org/assets/municipal/0/postings/Saddleback_Trails_Map.pdf |
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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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