| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Chocorua, Middle Sister, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Champney Falls Trail, Champney Falls Loop, Piper Trail, Liberty Trail, Westside Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, July 26, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot only half full at 8:30. Trail stewards were nice and remarked they didn't know why they arrive so early since experienced hikers are the only ones that show up early. Note to self 8:30 is considered early :) |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Easily rock hop-able |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Large birch limb with lots of green leaves fell along trail but still attached to the tree, blocking half the width of the trail just before reaching the intersection with the Cutoff Trail on the Champney Falls Trail. A hand saw could remove it. Trails were clear, and I was happy West Side was in very nice shape since my last visit. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Most Pups will enjoy the trail up until it reaches the Piper Trail, but the open ledges of Chocorua are not for most dogs. Our companion is an experienced and in great shape dog and Pepper, she had no issues and enjoyed the day. We provided plenty of water and treats. Sadly we met people with a black lab on the Liberty Trail and it was hurting. We felt so bad for the hot dog that was obviously having trouble. |
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 | Bugs: |
none that I can remember |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is a nice hike, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this route. Kiki and her dog Pepper had not done it since she was a kid at camp. Not much water coming down the brook but the rocks and stone steps were still a lot of fun to see. we were surprised how few people were out hiking early but we did meet a young couple on their way down after watching the sun rise. The summit cone's faded yellow blazes are still a big help and the Forest Service should really repaint them since there are no rocks to build cairns. On the summit a twit was sitting on the high point and wasn't interested in moving. Only a dozen people were on the summit ledges. There was a nice breeze up high. (When I was on a high school outing club trip many moons ago I flew a baby bat kite on the summit.) We descended the Liberty Trail and took the West Side Trail back to avoid the masses that were headed up now. Plus it was in the shade--good for us and Pepper the dog. We decided to visit Middle Sister and the views from this trail to Chocorua the best. The stone foundation of the old fire tower is still standing. We enjoyed this hike and with the exception of the summit cone, the trails are gentle with good footing. |
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 | Name: |
Amy |
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 | E-Mail: |
amybike@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-07-26 |
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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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