| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There were several cars in the lot when I arrived at 6:15am and many of them were still there when I returned so maybe they were car spots? Upon my return there were a number of cars parked but still lots of room for more. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I used the molehill bushwhack to "cut the corner" and avoid the first 2 crossings. The crossing at the start of Iso Express was a nice rock hop. I went a tad downstream to cross in my favorite spot on the ascent and then used the regular spot to cross on my return. Short legs could easily cross in either spot. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There is a new blowdown on Rocky Branch trail about 1.5 miles in but it can be stepped over. Shorter folks may have to go a bit off to the side. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
3 puppers seen today with their people. Great to finally meet Rosie in person. Well, person for me and dog for her. This is a really nice route for dogs with water available along the way until you get up higher. |
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 | Bugs: |
I inhaled one fly today but blame the fly for deciding that my nose was where they wanted to be. That's not on me. Bugs were really not an issue today. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing lost and nothing found |
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|
 | Comments: |
I decided to take the more direct path for Isolation this month and just to change it up. I also wanted to dust off my navigational skills in the non-winter season so this was perfect. Rocky Branch trail was mostly dry down low with the usual standing water and mud pits once it levels off. I knew Engine Hill would be a swamp so I opted for the molehill whack instead which I found with no issues and only had to check my gps once to be sure I was on track. I popped out on Rocky Branch right where I expected. Iso Express started with a fairly well defined herd path but then it disappeared. I had great gps tracks from my gridiot pals as well as detailed instructions for this stretch and they were spot on. I continue to whack higher and found the herd path reappeared before long. From there on out the path was pretty easy to follow. It disappeared a few times but memory from past hikes kept me on the correct track and I did check the gps 2 more times to be sure. Davis path was mostly dry as was the Isolation spur. The weather was perfect today and I was fortunate to bump into Jason, Alan, and Michael which was lovely. Great day on trail with many happy hikers and backpackers! |
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 | Name: |
Uki |
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 | E-Mail: |
ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.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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