| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Airline, Airline Cutoff, Osgood Trail, Valley Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, October 10, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Few cars at Appalachia on Friday. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Breakable Crust |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Although Star Lake is a mostly dry mud puddle, there is water flowing near the Madison Hut. It is in the spot between the Hut patio and the Osgood Trail, and continues down the tippy top of Valley Way Trail in that typical muddy spot (which had a thin layer of avoidable ice this morning). If you had your water filter you could definitely find water to filter, if you wanted to. The Hut is closed for the season (as is Lakes of the Clouds); if you are setting off for a Prezi Traverse your only treated water option this holiday weekend is at the NH State Park building on Mount Washington. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are at least a half dozen obstacles on Airline in the steeps. The other trails, on this route, are clear. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I don’t take my pup into the northern Prezis, though some people do. There were no dogs out today. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
There is a random pile of stuff at the Appalachia trailhead. |
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 | Comments: |
I hiked up Airline (for the King Ravine views) and down VW. I saw less than a dozen people. There is a little bit of fall color lingering at the bottom of King Ravine, but otherwise everything looks mostly brown from these trails. There was scant breakable ice crust both above and below the Hut, and it was entirely avoidable. No traction needed. Just as I started to descend VW a helicopter came to the Hut; it ultimately made at least 7 trips and appeared to be removing propane tanks, 2 at a time. I spied an adorable moose having breakfast on route 16 on my way to Appalachia; photos on IG! Because of the government shutdown we are not allowed to volunteer at the trailheads so please be extra safe out there this weekend!! |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-10-11 |
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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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