| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Air Line, Air Line Cutoff, Osgood Trail, Gulfside, Lowes Path, Randolph Path, Short Line |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, June 22, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The large Appalachia lot off route 2 was full at 7:15AM. Parked alongside route 2. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Many insignificant brooks on Randolph Path and Air Line. Crossing of Spur Brook on Randolph Path wasn't hard. Used rocks.
Cold Brook crossed on Sanders Bridge. Good condition. This crossing may have been difficult without the bridge as the stream was running strongly. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Two tree falls on the Air Line. One has a side path around the root end of an upturned tree. The other was a step over.
One birch across the Randolph Path just uphill from the Sanders Bridge. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. The mica schist in the alpine zone may be rough for the paws. |
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 | Bugs: |
The black flies were thick in a zone from about elevation 3,000 ft to 5,000 ft. Had black flies in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Large flying insects at the summit of Mt Madison. They didn't seem to sting or bite but they looked intimidating.
Many small beetle like insects at the summit of Mt Adams. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Trail conditions as follows;
Air Line up to the Air Line Cut-Off. Wet in places below tree line but overall not bad. Two tree falls mentioned earlier.
Air Line Cut-Off - short trail with some pooled water and running water on trail. Not a big problem.
Osgood Trail from the hut to Mt Madison - A dry rock hopping exercise.
Gulfside - Mainly dry with some rock steps.
Air Line from Gulfside up to Mt Adams - a dry boulder hop. Some of the rocks may be abrasive since they have rough surfaces.
Lowe's Path - mostly a rock hop above the tree line. Wet ledges just above jct with Randolph Path.
Randolph Path - no obstructions except downed birch previously cited and the pathway is evident. Lots of wetness. Mud, wet mossy rocks, puddles, and some water running in the trail.
Short Line - RMC is slated to work on this trail. There were three drainage ditches that looked to be new. The water was running in these ditches. However, there are large areas of wet mud around these three areas. I suspect that these are works in progress and the mud problem will be addressed.
Some wildflowers in bloom ; bunchberry, diapensia, and alpine azaleas.
Great views today from all areas above tree line. A nice break from the recent rains and the forecasted rains to come.
Lots of hikers out today including AT thru hikers. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-06-22 |
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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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