Mt. Carrigain - Signal Ridge Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, Desolation Trail - 9-30-2022

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Carrigain, NH

	Trails:	Signal Ridge Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, Desolation Trail

	Date of Hike:	Friday, September 30, 2022

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Plenty of room today. On weekends the lot can overflow. Sawyer River forest road is passable for all vehicles although the surface shows some wear.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	Crossing of Carrigain Brook on rocks (one of the rocks rocked a bit). Water level is not high. Small brook crossings on Carrigain Notch Trail are easy. Brook crossing on the Desolation Trail is easy.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trails generally in good condition. One sizeable birch across the Signal Ridge Trail near the upper end of the second relocation. This tree can be straddled over. Saw one tree across the Carrigain Notch Trail within sight of the junction with the Desolation Trail in the direction towards Stillwater. It was about 2.5 to 3 feet above ground. No other significant obstacles. Wilderness area maintenance rules apply to much of the Carrigain Notch Trail and all of the Desolation Trail so some tree falls low to the ground may not be cleared. Bog bridges on the Carrigain Notch Trail on the descent from the notch in the wilderness area are in various degrees of deterioration. Some of these bog bridges are sloped with slippery surfaces. The same is true of bog bridges at the bottom of the Desolation Trail.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Fine for dogs

	Bugs:	A few at the summit. Saw a bee on the observation tower.

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	Lots of fall leaf colors. Up close views of red leaves of maples were most prevalent in the notch (both on the pathway and up to the forest canopy). The Desolation Trail is best for ascent as the slope is steep and rocky with some wet surfaces. The Carrigain Notch Trail in the wilderness is a fine walk in the woods where one can find solitude. Saw no other hikers on the Carrigain Notch Trail and the Desolation Trail. Met many hikers at the summit and the Signal Ridge Trail. There were several hikers that were not comfortable going up the stairs leading to the observation platform. Spectacular 360-degree views from the summit tower and great views from Signal Ridge. The look up to Mt Lowell from spots in the notch provide a different perspective.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	waumbek@roadrunner.com

	Date Submitted:	2022-09-30

	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.