| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Twin Mountain, North Twin Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, December 31, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the junction of Trudeau Road and route 3, which is across from the start of Gale River Road. I have hiked this via the ski trails from the picnic area a few times, but I much prefer this approach. The footing is very straightforward (because it’s all road walk) and it’s only slightly longer. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Rock hops; light traction was helpful because the tops of the rocks are icy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I was on the Gale River Trail three weeks ago; there are sadly some new problems in that time. There are two new clamber-over blowdowns. The first is right at the relocation and it’s a 20” diameter beast. The second is just after the main water crossing and is a skinny one (4” diameter) but at hip height. There is also a conifer that is down and encroaching on the trail less than 0.1 miles from the GRT junction.
GRT is clear.
However, speaking of conifers, let’s talk about the Twinway. Right at the bottom of the steep climb is a very fluffy, branchy conifer blocking a solid 15’ of trail. It has been roughly delimbed but there’s an awkward clamber-over in there.
Between the summits, the North Twin spur is clear. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I hiked out and back for the Twins only (I already have Galehead for December. Not that I’m gridding LOL.). I put on my rock spikes at the water crossing and left them on until returning to that spot. I brought sharp spikes but didn’t need them. I didn’t see Lauren F and her friend but I did see Bill the Science Guy when he got back to South Twin; I was just arriving. We chatted until we were both super cold, LOL. I also saw Chantel and Jim, for the third time this month!
The undercast was epic. It was a great day to be above treeline! Happy New Year!! |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-12-31 |
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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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