| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Airline, Airline Cutoff, Gulfside, Watson Path, Pine Link, Howker Ridge Trail, Sylvan Way |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 14, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing at the lower part of Howker by the falls was pretty tough but doable |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There is a dead porcupine on the trail right before you cross the river by the falls on Howker as you are descending, be careful if you have a dog. I appreciate all the amazing blowdown work the RMC does on their trails, it sections of Pine Link and Howker are the worst brushed trails I’ve ever seen. Sections have clear footbeds but the pine is interwoven from either side of the trail. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Our husky killed it today! Lots of dogs out. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Black flies were out with a vengeance. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Airline was the winner today and was super easy without spikes. On the summit of Madison it started to thunder so we bailed on Adams. My brother in law said he wanted to try a fun trail down, and I heard type 3 fun is where it’s at. And that’s what we had on Pine Link and Howker. We didn’t see any evidence that anyone has been through in a while. Let’s just say we spent hours post holing 3 feet deep into huge puddles and running water (snowshoes?). I don’t recommend this descent for at least a couple weeks, even if you are hiking with your enemy. Lower Howker was absolutely gorgeous though. Beware of the dead porcupine on the trail right near the crossing by the falls. My dog almost got quilled but luckily she was on leash and I noticed it before it was too late. |
|
 | Name: |
Brian |
|
 | E-Mail: |
brian.m.schuster at gmail |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-05-14 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
