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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Nelson Crag, Ball Crag, Mt. Washington, NH
Trails
Trails: Old Jackson Road, Nelson Crag Trail, Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center off NH 16. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: All rock hopped. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The Nelson Crag Trail, both below and above tree line, showed signs of light use. Below the trees, much of the trail was lightly trodden and littered with minor debris. The corridor was also very narrow at times due to close-quarter trees. Above tree line, most of the trail that wasn't a rock hop also had a lightly trodden foot way. I had to be much more careful than usual to not step on the alpine vegetation. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Use good judgment if bringing a dog up this trail- besides being steep, rough, wet, and lightly used, much of the trail is above treeline and completely exposed to the elements. 
Bugs
Bugs: A few buzzing about, but not an issue. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: The Old Jackson Rd, being a link in the AT, was in good shape to the Nelson Crag junction. The Nelson Crag Trail from here to the top was steep, rough, lightly trodden, and very wet in the lower part. Some of the scrambles were quite tricky due to the wet rock; having a very large backpack didn't help either. Once above tree line, the trail was a mix of rock hopping and walking on a faint-ish footway. Going down Tuck's and Lion Head was straightforward- steep and rocky, but the footway was well established and the trails were (obviously) well trodden. There was also a very short section of snow on Lion Head Trail that I had to walk on, but it was quick and easy. Other than that, all the snow was beside the trail or well off of it.

Needless to say, I would not recommend the Nelson Crag Trail for inexperienced and/or unfit hikers.

The weather today, although cold at times, was excellent. Nice wind, chilly temps, and mostly clear skies made for great hiking weather. Enjoyed a good lunch at the summit and chatted with other hikers and cog railway passengers. (Auto Rd. was closed for a re-paving job.) Such a contrast to the past few days of crappy weather!  
Name
Name: Spencer 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-06-07 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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