| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mount Shaw, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mount Shaw Trail, Black Snout Trail, High Ridge Trail, Big Ball Mountain Trail, Italian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, July 26, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot was very full at 9:30, there was only room for one more car. When I got back at 12:00 two spots had opened up. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A couple of very minor brook crossings on Mount Shaw trail |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There were a few downed trees on Mount Shaw Trail, but none were an inconvenience. Big Ball Mountain trail near the summit of Black Snout was overgrown and challenging to find, but after that it wasn't too bad. The blazes were faded and sparse in areas as well. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
This would be a good hike for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
Very few. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Mount Shaw trail was surprisingly steep towards the top. It was generally smooth terrain, although some of the steeper sections were a little loose.
Black Snout trail and High Ridge trail are both very smooth, and terrain wise are basically logging roads. Some sections of Black Snout trail near the summit of Black Snout were overgrown and a bit tight.
As noted above, Big Ball Mountain Trail was overgrown and hard to find from the summit of Black Snout, but it wasn't too hard to follow afterwards. There was a considerable amount of spruce needles in one stretch which made the ground a little slippery.
Italian trail was gradual and smooth, and on its own would make a great short hike up to Big Ball Mountain, and the open rocky areas which grant views of the Lakes Region. |
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 | Name: |
EMC_Squared |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-07-28 |
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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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