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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Garfield, Garfield Ridge - East Peak, Galehead Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: Garfield Trail, Garfield Pond Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, herd path, Frost Trail, Gale River Trail, Gale River Road
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, June 25, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Garfield Trail lot was overflowing just after 8 AM. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Garfield Trail crossings were rock hoppable. Gale River Trail (relo) crossing was a bit high/tricky. Lower crossing wasn't an issue. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: 1 stepover on Garfield Trail, I think in the vicinity of the water crossings. Pretty much all trails listed are in need of major reconstruction due to advanced erosion. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs: Occasional black flies in the higher elevations when not a breeze. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Garfield Trail had some mud, as well as extended areas of water running down the trail (additional waterbars needed).

Abandoned Garfield Pond Trail appears to have had old blowdowns removed. Mucky down by the pond as usual, but the further downhill one goes, the drier it was.

Garfield Ridge Trail is a mess, especially with the brook flowing down it, lots of unmitigated erosion, etc.

Fairly prominent herd path on the south side of the trail from near the eastern height of land leads to Garfield Ridge - East Peak; New Hampshire Hundred Highest peak, as well as excellent view ledges.

Frost Trail to Galehead was also a mess with lots of mud bogs and accelerating erosion on the ascent.

Gale River Trail relo was very muddy, especially the northern portion. Bog bridging or re-relo likely needed.

Altogether, these trails have deteriorated rapidly since my last summer visit years ago. Major rock work is needed to halt these issues, which are only getting worse with the increased use.

Nice weather on Garfield, though the skies opened up briefly on the descent of Gale River Trail. Good baked goods at the hut.  
Name
Name: rocket21 
E-Mail
E-Mail: rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-06-25 
Link
Link: https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos 
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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