| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moosilauke, Mt. Blue, Mt. Jim, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gorge Brook Trail, Beaver Brook Trail, herd path, Asquam Ridge Trail, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 15, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Hoo boy. I was able to park right at the fork on Ravine Lodge Rd. at 7 am. When I returned at 2 pm, there was evidence that cars had been parked along the road for about a mile. Glad I got there early! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues as DOC provides footbridges for the major crossings here. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The only notable blowdown I recall was a large tree on Gorge Brook Trail shortly above the lower junction with the abandoned section. Fortunately, it fell lengthwise along the edge of the trail and is not impeding traffic. Above treeline, new alpine zone signs are in place and a section of Gorge Brook Trail has been stringed off to keep people on the trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One aggressive dog on Asquam Ridge Trail, unleashed. I had a couple of words with the owner. The other pups I saw were chill and enjoying their day. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Gorge Brook Trail was recently reblazed in blue and it's going to take some getting used to. Guess it's being considered a side trail to the AT now?
On the way down Asquam Ridge Trail, I ran into a crew repairing the lower footbridge over the Baker River. The upper bridge has a loose handrail and the decking is bouncy!
So this is essentially the same report as Chef's from earlier today (we crossed paths on Beaver Brook Trail):
https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=62754
except that I did the loop in the clockwise direction and ascended via Gorge Brook Trail. Nothing to add to his assessment of the conditions -- things were pretty wet in places. The herd path to Blue no longer has a cairn at the start, but you can't miss it; the path is very well-defined now. Same for the very short path to the high point of Jim. Neither summit is recognized.
Apparently, the mountain was very crowded today, but with an early start I didn't see too many people and I left the summit at 9:30 am. That said, I've never seen so many people on Asquam Ridge Trail as I did today. That route is usually quiet and I rarely see anyone. Also lots of unprepared hikers and folks starting up late.
Weather conditions were spectacular for this peak, with clear skies, pleasant temps, barely a breeze, and an amazing undercast off to the west. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-10-15 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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