| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Hale, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
North Twin, Firewarden’s |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Full when I arrived but with room on the side of the road just before the lot. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
For an abandoned, “lightly maintained” trail, it’s in great shape. A number of stepover blow downs, but nothing actually blocking the path. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
A few around, but nothing actually blocking biting. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
The start of the Firewarden’s trail is very obvious about 125 yards beyond the stairs on North Twin trail. It does make a near 180 degree turn off the North Twin trail. The very obvious treadway ascends gradually, but steadily, by long switchbacks. While it lacks waterbars, rock steps, etc., it has only a few limited areas of erosion. It was clearly very well laid out originally and combined with its relatively light use, it is in better condition than many other trails in the Whites. The viewpoint around 3800 does include Jefferson, Clay and a hint of Washington, but the trees are growing in. Around 2800 feet there are some views of North Twin and its slides through the trees. Overall, Hale remains a relatively poor hike for views. Despite that, the hike through the birch woods was beautiful and I was the only person on the trail today, so it was still a great day out! The grade is such that this would be a great snowshoe in the winter; I think this might be a better winter approach than the Mt. Hale trail. |
|
 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
|
 | E-Mail: |
Jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-08-06 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
