| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
East Royce Mountain, West Royce Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bickford Brook Trail, Spruce Hill Trail, East Royce Trail, Royce Connector Trail, Royce Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 30, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was the 4th car at Brickett place at 10:00, and there were two cars when I left at 3:00. I drove by the lot for the Baldfaces and it was overflowing! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All were easy to rock hop, but the one at the bottom of Royce trail could be difficult in higher water. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails were in great shape with only a couple minor downed trees all day. Blazes were very bright and fresh on the Royces. There was a bit of erosion on some steeper sections. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Most of these trails would be easy for dogs, although some of the steeper sections near the summits of East and West Royce would probably be difficult, as they have some slabs and are somewhat loose in spots. |
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 | Bugs: |
They were bothering me a bit at the start of the day, but mostly went away not long after I started. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Bickford Brook trail is very gradual and smooth, and it appears to follow an old logging road for much of the way up. This trail provides an easy route up to Speckled Mountain as well.
Spruce Hill trail is steeper than Bickford Brook trail and drops down into Evans Notch, although it isn't as steep as ascending up East Royce on the other side of the Notch.
East Royce trail is steep and steadily climbs up to East Royce. The summit of East Royce is pretty open and has nice views out to the Baldfaces, the Carter-Moriah range, and the Presidential range (which was in the clouds).
West Royce has a windowed view to the east, and Royce trail up the summit is also steep and climbs steadily. Royce trail going down from the junction with Royce connector is also steep but flattens out after a bit and is very gradual from there. A lot of Royce trail follows the Mad River, which is mostly dry, but it would be really pretty in higher water. Although, in higher water the crossing of Cold River could be difficult. |
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 | Name: |
EMC_Squared |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-08-31 |
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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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