| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain - Northwest Peak, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Old Mountain Road, Lalish Trail, Link Trail, Saddleback Mountain Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Just before the causeway at the end of Old Mountain Rd. in Northwood. Do not block the adjacent private driveway. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
|
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Blazing could be refreshed on Lalish and Link. Blazes on SMT are also faded but this trail seems to be in flux at the moment. I don't recall any significant blowdowns. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I stopped here on my way back from an appt. in Deerfield. The main goal was to check on Saddleback Mtn. Trail and the effects from a late 2024 timber harvest. The logging has only minimally affected the trail from what I could see. At one point, the Northwood Conservation Commission (NCC) mentioned possibly relocating part or all of the trail away from the logged areas after the harvest was complete, but I don't know what the current status of that is. The lower part of the trail that follows logging roads is not marked and at the junction where the old kiosk for Northwood Meadows State Park is, there are currently no signs so navigation could be confusing for newcomers. The map on the kiosk is also tattered.
NCC also did some view clearing at Northern Overlook on the mountain recently. The difference isn't too dramatic but it looks like some of the brush was cut down. It would be great if a few of the trees could be trimmed for a better view toward the Belknaps.
Otherwise, things were quiet on this nice little trail system. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-10-16 |
|
 | 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. |
|
