| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Downes Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, July 24, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the trailhead off the Kanc. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues with the first four crossings of Downes Brook. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
See comments below. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitoes about but not too much of an issue. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A maintenance visit on my adopted section of Downes Brook Trail from the trailhead to the wilderness boundary. The main goal was to start blazing this section, which I completed in the inbound direction; I will be back to finish the rest.
I removed a couple small blowdowns. One large-ish one remains between the fourth brook crossing and the wilderness boundary. This could be easily dispatched with a chainsaw but I can probably also get it next time with the silky saw. It is broken and easily stepped over, so not much of an obstacle.
The long drainage channels were raked, and I noticed many of the smaller drainages above the second brook crossing had been cleaned already. Turns out this was done by a USFS crew headed out toward the Sleepers. Thank you!
The wilderness boundary sign needs to be mounted on a new post (current post is broken) and is currently leaning against a tree. If you are headed into the wilderness section, there is a small section of the trail higher up that has been washed out by flooding. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-07-25 |
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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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