| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams 5, Mt. Sam Adams, Mt. Adams, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Caps Ridge Trail, Gulfside, Lowes Path, The Cornice |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, July 16, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Upon approx 8:15am arrival, 2 or 3 spots in Jefferson Notch Caps Ridge trailhead lot available. All offroad spots available.
Upon return at around 5:40pm or so, more than half lot empty (no surprise) and offroad spots full. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nada. It's practically speaking nearly bone dry on these trails. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are generally in great shape. Thank you to the trail maintainers. A couple of blowdowns within 1/4 mile of Caps Ridge trailhead, but easily surmounted.
To echo another poster's observation on 'The Link' trail - even at the Caps Ridge junction it appeared to very overgrown. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Met one very friendly older black lab with his owners as they were descending Caps Ridge and I ascending. Saw maybe one other pooch at Jefferson summit, but no more after that. :-( |
|
 | Bugs: |
A few of the biting sort, but not too bad.
Many hover flies at Mt Adams summit, but they were just in need of salty sweat, which many of us, as one young lady opted "I am a beast", hikers were too willing to supply. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
I got nada to share. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Great day in the mountains. Low temps and humidity made for a very enjoyable visit of some of my favorite peaks.
Noting that the balls and soles of my feet were 'tenderized' by the ever present and oft sharp talus underfoot, esp on Gulfside, Lowes Path to Adams and Cornice. It's also always a good balance and swing with one's self and pack while hopping from one rock to another. Better exercise than a stairmaster. ;-) Still, it reminds me to re-assess my foot wear and pack for either heavier boots (my Oboz lights don't cut it) or a lighter pack with trail shoes that sport a rock plate. Still weighing whether to go to the ultra approach on days like today and ditch the heavier part of my emergency ditch gear on solo hikes.
The crowds today consisted mainly of a large, spread-out group staying at AMC Madison Springs Hut who were out for an out-and-back to Jefferson or Jefferson & Washington (nice meeting you Doug and friends from Boston). Or a bunch of sometimes a bit rabid but then friendly traverse runners. Also a shout out to Dan on Caps Ridge trail. Sorry I couldn't be at the trail head as promised. I was already running late, and had to get dinner and get home (after 10pm).
Gulfside is perhaps one of my favorite trails in the Presidential Range. So many lovely views of peaks and the Great Gulf, even if my feet still today ach from it's constant pounding. :-)
To summarize, on days like today maybe then, one feels an enveloping whole/gestalt of nature filling ones consciousness, helping to forget one's daily cares of self and civilization. Humbling to feel so small in the presence of such raw, natural beauty. Just a great day in the mountains. |
|
 | Name: |
Mike |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-07-17 |
|
 | 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. |
|
