| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Vose Spur, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Signal Ridge Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, herd paths |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, June 16, 2016 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the Signal Ridge Trailhead off Sawyer River Road. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No problems. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few minor blowdowns on SRT. A large blowdown on CNT blocking the trail, a herd path has formed around it. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Depends on the dog. Parts of the upper herd path are extremely steep. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Mosquitos were awful on the trails, and black flies were awful on the herd paths and summit. I'm not one to typically apply repellent, but I did so three times. However, the bugs did not care. Long clothing recommended at the moment. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Another one on the to do list for a long time, I decided to give it a go after receiving some fresh info.
I left CNT just after the big boulder with stepping stones around it, where the entrance to the lower herd path is marked by two birch logs and a small cairn. Someone has flagged both the lower and upper herd paths, but I would not rely on the flagging expecting to just follow along with no trouble. Nor would I expect the flagging to stay in place. Even with the flagging, sections of the lower herd path, especially near its halfway point, are very difficult to follow and it is very easy to lose it.
The upper section of the lower path is a bit more defined, leading to the open and loose talus slope. Views here are tremendous. There are three cairns leading you up the slope, which is not far, but it is steep. I carefully picked my way up to the upper herd path entrance over loose rocks.
The upper herd path is easier to follow than the lower one, except just before the summit, where there is a maze of other paths. The upper path quickly becomes extremely steep, with one short, near vertical pitch. Lots of trees and roots to hold onto though. There was one blowdown jungle gym where I found it easier to remove my pack and squeeze through.
The summit has a small clearing, canister and sign. The lawn chair was packed away in its bag, hung from a tree. I signed the register but didn't stick around long as the black flies were horrendous.
Descending the same way, it was easy going until I got to the middle section of the lower herd path, where it again got very difficult to find in spots. I seemed to have more trouble with this coming down.
I eventually popped out on the the CNT again where I started. From there it's easy walking back to the trailhead. I stopped to filter some water, and was going to sit and eat lunch, but decided to keep going as the mosquitos were nasty! |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2016-06-17 |
|
 | 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. |
|
