Potash Mountain - Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail - 8-15-2015

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Potash Mountain, NH

	Trails:	Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, August 15, 2015

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Good dirt lot. Room for at least twenty to twenty four cars.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	Just one and easy rock hop

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Very nice trail and pretty easy to follow However, There have been I imagine a few blow downs in recent times as their are parts of the trail in which the blazes are at times more than 100 steps between and not easily seen. It may need a review of the blaze locations.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Water only trapped in rocks as you climb once you cross the brook. The trail is only about 2 miles long. with a nice stiff climb at the end to get to the peak.

	Bugs:	Only noticed them when I stopped.

	Lost and Found:	Nothing but my sanity.


	Comments:	I started at 10:00 to finally finish it as my wife and I tried two weeks ago and we go to my turn around time so we came down. I wanted to go up and finish it. On my way down I was within 150 ft of the parking lot making my last turn before reaching the dirt road that takes you to the parking lot when as I made the turn 20 ft in front of me was a black bear strolling across the trail and heading into the woods that are directly above the little pond that you first see when leaving the parking lot. I hid behind a tree as I took out my bear spray and stood ready just in case. I watched it and if sniffed the air almost at every step. I am not sure if it has a den in that section of woods or not but I thought I would add this report as an FYI. The bear was out and it was 1:00 pm. We always need to be aware.

	Name:	Jhiker

	E-Mail:	jcavallini@dhhs.state.nh.us

	Date Submitted:	2015-08-18

	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.