| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Willey, NH |
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 | Trails: |
West Side Trail, Kedron Flume Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Willey Range Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, May 29, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the small parking area at the route 302 and Willey Station House Road junction. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings across small brooks were easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
West Side Trail had innumerable branches fallen on the trail. There were tree falls on the West Side Trail. Most were straddle/step overs. One beech tree had a limb that was a duck under. Thankfully, the West Side Trail had lots of yellow blazing because stretches of the pathway were not evident. At times I had to search for the next yellow blaze when there was a sharp turn in the trail's direction.
Thanks to the person(s) who installed some new steps in the staircases on the Willey Range Trail. The staircases are showing their age but are still effective.
A large tree fall at the junction of Ethan Pond Trail and Arethusa-Ripley Falls trails. Been there awhile. Straddle over. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The staircase may be difficult for some dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
Black flies on the West Side Trail and at the Mt Willey outlook. Otherwise, the bugs weren't bad. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I had never walked the West Side Trail and haven't hiked the Kedron Flume Trail in 49 years.
West Side Trail - as noted above, the pathway is indistinct in places. Keep an eye out for the yellow blazes and you should be fine. The topography is gentle.
Kedron Flume Trail - very nice trail with the picturesque Kedron Flume. The trail is steep above the flume.
Ethan Pond Trail - Easy going trail.
Willey Range Trail - Short but steep and rough trail up the south side of Mt Willey. Some unofficial by-passes to avoid eroded areas or difficult ledges. These may contribute to further trail degradation.
Just before reaching the summit of Mt Willey there is an excellent outlook toward the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch, and the peaks to the east and southeast.
Continue on the Willey Range Trail past the summit of Mt Willey to reach the west outlook. Views include Mt Carrigain, the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Bonds-Twin, and Franconia Range.
Some flowers in bloom but not a prolific display. Painted Trillium, Star Flower, Hobblebush, and Blue Bead Lily.
Many hikers with various itineraries. Met Carter from RI, a hiker from Fremont NH, an Italian hiker, a Colorado hiker, and many others. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-05-29 |
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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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