| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Frankenstein Cliff, Falcon Cliff, Arethusa Falls, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Frankenstein Cliff Trail, Falcon Cliff Trail, Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail, Arethusa Falls Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked in the lower lot, but the upper lot appears to be plowed as well. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Scattered blowdowns, but nothing out of the ordinary. Frankenstein Cliff Trail could use some brushing in the area where it goes under the railroad trestle. It can be difficult to find the path, and many hikers are diverting up to the railroad tracks before reaching the trestle. The sign at the start of the Falcon Cliff Trail is in tatters. It needs to be replaced. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I did the loop counter-clockwise: up to Frankenstein Cliff, down to Arethusa Falls, and then back to the car. I wore snowshoes the whole way. Conditions were a mix of packed snow, loose powder over a consolidated track, and waste-deep, unconsolidated snow. If you are doing the whole loop, snowshoes are essential. On the other hand, light traction might be sufficient for Arethusa Falls Trail.
Cool ice formations on the way up to Frankenstein Cliff. Great views from the outlooks on Frankenstein Cliff.
Falcon Cliff and Arethusa Falls were underwhelming. I was hoping to at least catch some ice climbers at the falls. Otherwise, Arethusa Falls is a much better destination in the spring. |
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 | Name: |
Duct Tape |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-02-27 |
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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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