| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Eagle Crag, Mt. Meader, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bicknell Ridge Trail, Meader Ridge Trail, Basin Rim Trail, Black Angel Trail, Basin Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Baldface Circle Trailhead. Mine was the only vehicle in the lot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Several brook crossings, all easy rock hops. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The Bicknell Ridge Trail is in great shape. No notable blowdowns, water crossings are easy and standing water is easily avoided. Looks like some new bog bridges are in the works at the Junction of Baldface Circle and Bicknell Ridge Trails. Numerous blowdowns on Meader Ridge. Most are easily overcome. Black Angel to the Blue Brook Tentsite is clear but very wet. The Basin Trail doesnt appear to be maintained at all. Several blowdowns cross the trail and have clearly been down for years. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
No bugs! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Really enjoyed Bicknell Ridge. The trail starts at an easy grade then steepens as it nears the first of several ledge outcroppings. Between these are short steep sections broken by easy streches of trail. Its was cloudy and raining so the views were obscured but on a clear day the Baldfaces, Carter Ridge and the Royces should all be visible from the top of this trail.
Most of the blowdowns on Meader Ridge are easily overcome but I was forced to remove my pack at one where the trail passes very close to a point that overlooks the basin. The trail is eroded here and the drop, coupled with the crawl under the tree makes falling very easy. Its a long way down! Several areas have new bog bridges which is a nice improvement.
There are spots on the half mile section of the Black Angel with hard to avoid standing water. My plan was to camp at the Blue Brook site but the tent pads were on the verge of becoming mud and I still had time to make the five or so miles to my vehicle before dark. I headed back up the Black Angel toward Rim Junction.
It didnt take long to find a reminder of why I despise the upper portion of the Basin Trail. First, its steep, very steep and it stays that way for good while. Next is the erosion. It leaves slippery roots and loose stones exposed. Finally the blowdowns. Some are easily managed. Most are huge old growth trees that have been laying untouched in their present location for years. There seems to be little or no maintenance on this section of the trail. The lower half though is a delight. Mostly flat with an occasional easy rise and views of Basin Pond.
A few miles of walking on Route 113 and I was back at the trailhead.
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 | Name: |
Bruce |
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 | E-Mail: |
brucetbo@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-05-22 |
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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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