| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Galehead Mountain, Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Trail, Frost Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Garfield Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 28, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for both the Gale River Trail and Garfield trail are clearly marked. No issues |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Gale River Trail has log crossings and one easy rock hop - no problems. Garfield Trail has two water crossings that are an easy rock hop at this time. They may be a problem after heavy rains or during the spring. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
large blowdown at approx 2300 feet on the Gale River Trail |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Garfield Trail is a very good trail for dogs. Although I didn't bring my dog on this trip, my 10lb chihuahua has done trails similar to Gale River Trail and had no problems. I may have had to help him on the steepest parts of the Garfield Ridge trail. |
|
 | Bugs: |
none to speak of |
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 | Lost and Found: |
none |
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 | Comments: |
Gale River trail is relatively flat for the first mile or so, then it becomes increasingly rocky and slippery. Even in the rain it wasn't too much of a problem. The last 0.6 to the Galehead Hut is the steepest section. There are nice views from the hut.
The Frost Trail (0.5 miles) to the Galehead summit is a little rocky and slippery at the beginning, but from there it is a quick, easy ascent to the summit.
Heading to Mt. Garfield via the Garfield Ridge Trail starts out relatively easy. The trail descends losing approximately 800 feet of elevation in a mile. Then you to gain it back via a very steep, wet, slippery, rocky, seemingly never-ending ascent. The views from the summit are worth the workout.
Descending the Garfield trail is surprisingly easy and the footing is VERY good. It was a very quick 4.8 mile descent. I was lucky to hitch a ride avoiding the 1.6 mile walk along the Gale River Loop Road back to my car. Thanks Gretchen!
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|
 | Name: |
solowoodlandwanderer |
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 | E-Mail: |
bugsandthings@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2015-08-29 |
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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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