| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Howker Ridge Trail, Watson Path, Pine Link |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, June 21, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for about 10 cars at Randolph East. I parked on the road adjacent to the lot and it was okay. Can also access the trailhead from the Presidential Bike Path. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Crossing by waterfall is bridged by large boulders. I missed it on the way up and crossed maybe 50 feet or so further up, also easy to step across boulders but had to then bushwhack up a small, steep ledge. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several blowdows. Some had been trimmed but a few others are passable but thorny. Some standing and running water after the third howk and down Pine Link—which makes for slippery moss covered steep sections. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one dog walking its leash. Some high scrambles on the top portion of the trail. High for humans so small dogs may need a lift. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Whatever kinds of bugs they are, they bite and I have welts everywhere! Swarms of them and they’re oblivious to natural bug spray. (But another friend said she used DEET and they still bit.) |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Trail is less traveled which is good and bad. Good, saw a total of 4 people all day. Bad, some sections were overgrown and prickly. I think the good outweighs the bad. Saw one black snake, and heard something questionable but it didn’t rear its head thankfully. (Probably a grouse.)
Also, what’s up with the “bear pit”?
Also, also, the first howk has the best lunch spot if you’re a small group. A nice domes perch with incredible views.You’ll want to press on and wait til you get higher—but then you’ll regret it. I could be speaking from a personal experience. |
|
 | Name: |
Elle Ecrit |
|
 | E-Mail: |
annaliza.hikes@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-06-21 |
|
 | 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. |
|
