| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside, Randolph Path, Israel Ridge Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, September 12, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Small lot at Bowman just off route 2. Be sure not to block driveway. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The water level is low on Israel River and Cascade Brook.
I was able to cross all these at the designated trail crossings of the water. These crossings are difficult when the water level is high.
When descending the Israel Path, one has to take care to spot the diamond shaped RMC path signs on the opposite bank. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in generally good condition.
The tree line warning sign on the Israel Ridge Path is white with the printing unreadable due to the exposure to weather/sun.
There are no tree obstructions. There are a few leaners or other tree falls suspended high enough above the surface to of no difficulty to get by.
The next to lowest stair on the uppermost ladder on the Israel Ridge Path is broken and a couple of slightly wobbly stairs on two of the ladders.
A short stretch of the Israel Ridge Path between the junction with the Cascade Ravine Trail and the Link has some undergrowth intruding on the pathway.
Fern fronds are extending into the Castle Trail in a thinned wood section. The fronds will die back with the change of seasons. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The steep ledges and mica schist surfaces on the Castle Trail would be difficult for many dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The Castle Trail is very scenic above tree line especially the view into Castle Ravine. However, one must be prepared to scramble over some steep ledges that are challenging when dry and even more difficult if wet. Take care to find the best foot and hand holds. All surfaces were dry today. The highest mile on the Castle Trail is mainly a rock hop on the felsenmeer (sea of rock).
The descent via the Israel Ridge Path is not as rugged as the Castle Trail. Just below the uppermost water crossing on the Israel Ridge Path is a short spur that leads out to the ledges where the Second Cascade can be viewed. This route would not be advisable in high water conditions.
Some of the leaves are turning color although most are still green.
The only two hikers I met on the Castle Trail were about 1/4 mile down from the summit. I saw nobody on the Randolph Path & Israel Ridge Path. There were about a dozen people at the summit of Mt Jefferson. Most of these hikers ascended via Caps Ridge. Met 2 Chicago woman on the Gulfside Trail hiking the Presidential Range on their vacation. Also on the Gulfside Trail, I met a couple from VA were section hiking the AT.
Clear skies allowed for great views from all areas above tree line.
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-09-12 |
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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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