| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, Mt. Lafayette, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Skookumchuck Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the Garfield trailhead on Gale River Loop Rd. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There are three significant crossings about a mile from the Garfield trailhead. All were easy to hop across. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I expected lots of blowdowns on Garfield Ridge Trail, but it is in very good shape between Mt. Garfield and Lafayette. Skookumchuck Trail is also it great shape. In particular, I noticed someone recently raked out the waterbars. Thank you, trail maintainers. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
There were awful swarms of black flies on both summits. Also, I stopped to filter some water about halfway down Skookumchuck. There were swarms of black flies and mosquitos at that stop. Otherwise, the bugs were not too bad. Just keep moving. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I went up Garfield Trail, over to Lafayette on Garfield Ridge Trail, and down Skookumchuck Trail.
Although I have climbed both Garfield and Lafayette many times, this was my first time traversing the ridge between the two. It's a beautiful trail, particularly the section above 4500 ft approaching the summit of Lafayette. It was also quite crowded for mid-week summer day. Lots of folks were headed north to spend the night at Galehead Hut. A few were travelling very light (in the middle of a single day Pemi Loop, I imagine).
It was also my first time on Skookumchuck Trail. I was descending, but I can see why some people like to use it to climb Lafayette. It's a long, gradual ascent, very well maintained, and I didn't meet as single hiker in 4.3 miles. If you are looking to avoid the crowds (and bears*) on Old Bridle Path, Skookumchuck Trail is worth checking out.
* According to a report on Reddit, there was a bear harassing a croo member on Old Bridle Path the same day of my hike. Fish & Game has been notified. |
|
 | Name: |
Duct Tape |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-06-26 |
|
 | 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. |
|
