| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Crotched Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bennington Trail, ski area spur, unnamed trails, Shannon's Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, July 5, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Room for two vehicles at the trailhead on Mountain Rd. in Bennington. Saw a mention elsewhere that a formal parking area may be constructed here in the future. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The sign at the trailhead is still missing. The new switchbacks on Bennington are a welcome change from going straight up the slope. Some of these will need benching to keep them sustainable but I assume the volunteer maintainers know that. At the bottom of the switchbacks are two prominent blazes that should be removed as they could lure hikers onto the old route. Signage recommended for the four-way junction with the old Greenfield Trail. The CMF trails still need signage and blazing improvements. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Some deer flies buzzing about at the car but overall, bugs weren't too much of an issue. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
First time back on Bennington Trail since the recent improvements have been made. Thank you! Good to see that this route is getting some love. It's a quiet way to the summit.
With the recent heat and lack of rain, things were pretty dry. Just a couple small muddy spots.
Saw a recent report that the picnic table at the lookout was wrecked and indeed it is just a pile of boards now. If this was vandalism, it's the third instance of suspected vandalism on southern NH trails in recent months. :(
As I am sure that other peaks in this area were probably mobbed on this holiday weekend, I was glad to only see a few other people here today. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-07-05 |
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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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