| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Osgood Trail, Star Lake Trail, Air Line Trail, Gulfside Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia is well plowed |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns on Valley Way |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Absolutely magical day to be above tree line. We wore snowshoes below tree line and spikes above tree line. Some had crampons on above tree line, but that’d simply be a matter of personal preference. They are absolutely not needed right now.
Valley Way is increasingly well packed down. We wore snowshoes as much for televators as anything else. It does get a little softer above 4,000’, but you could wear spikes if you wanted. Above tree line, it’s a mix of frozen granular and rock. There’s no way you could continue to wear snowshoes above tree line without significant issues. We were all happy in spikes and didn’t feel crampons would help, but you could if you wanted.
Aside from the standard route to both peaks, we took a gander at Star Lake. We turned around at 5,100’ in the face of significant fall hazards on some loose snow on top of icy granular. Someone had gone up it today, though, but be aware if you want to try Star Lake, you for sure should have an ice axe, full crampons, and for a short stretch it’s not an awful idea to consider roping up glacier style as the fall hazard was pretty significant. We turned and went up Air Line instead, from which point we had no issues. |
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 | Name: |
IanB |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-02-15 |
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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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