Mt. Isolation, Mt. Davis, Stairs Mountain - Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Davis Spur, Stairs Spur, Stairs Col Trail - 8-28-2025

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Isolation, Mt. Davis, Stairs Mountain, NH

	Trails:	Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Davis Spur, Stairs Spur, Stairs Col Trail

	Date of Hike:	Thursday, August 28, 2025

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	No one else in the large parking area at the Rocky Branch trailhead at the end of Jericho Road.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	All crossings were easy rock hops.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	All trails in very good shape. Rocky Branch gets a bad rap, but it was easy going from its south trailhead, no washouts, and only one tricky spot to stay on the trail. Stairs Col (descent) had some leaves on the upper section, which made for slow going, but otherwise fine.

	Dog-Related Notes:

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	This was a counterclockwise loop that started and ended at the Rocky Branch south trailhead. The gate at the end of Jericho Road is closed, but the forest road was in very good shape - an easy drive or bike ride for the 1.8m to the start of the trail. Too bad they are not going to open the gate. The first couple of miles of Rocky Branch were a breeze. Running along the river, there are several good looks at the damage done by past storms, but the trail itself is fine right now. Had to pause more than once to figure out where the trail went, but only one tricky spot where the trail took a hard right to the point that you almost reverse direction for a bit. The Guide says that you will have gained 1800’ by the time that you reach the junction with the Isolation trail; it was an easy and almost unnoticeable incline. The views from Mt Isolation, Mt Davis, and Stairs Mtn were excellent. The Davis Path was pleasant with only the spur to Mt Davis being steep. Speaking of steep, Stairs Col was a slow go for most of its length. This is the easiest 20.2 miles that you will find. The trails were good, the views were great, and this hike was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be.

	Name:	Rick

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2025-08-30

	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.