| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Square Ledge, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gordon Path, road walk, Cabin Trail, Lawrence Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Square Ledge Branch, Oliverian Brook Trail, Kelley Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at Ferncroft, no issues accessing from both route 93 and route 16 sides |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Few crossings on upper Oliverian Brook where stepping on slightly submerged rocks was necessary - stream in the trail on upper Kelley trail was tricky but enough rocks and roots on the edges to make it down no problem - no other major crossings. As expected very wet trails but feet stayed dry with Gortex boots |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Not surprisingly many many downed trees and branches and heavy leaf cover in places - we removed as many trees and branches as we could and unclogged a few leaf-filled drainages to redirect the water - hand saw if not chain saw probably needed to remove most of the remaining large trees. No major issues following the trails. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Hannah had a great day - cool temps, plenty of water and no issues with the terrain |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
It was tricky coming up with a redlining hike where we could access the trailhead and not have any major water crossings but a loop out of Ferncroft did the trick - not surprisingly lots of water in the trail and water runoff, worst spots on Gordon Path, Oliverian Brook and upper Kelley trail - wet boots all day but feet stayed dry with waterproof boots. Gordon Path is definitely easier to follow west to east, not clear where the treadway goes from 113A heading around someone's yard and into the woods and we didn't see any blue blazes in this stretch. Cabin trail was lovely, good footing and not too steep. Square Ledge trail up to the ledge is steep and eroded with many angled slabs but fortunately most were dry today, decent view towards Paugus from the top. Kelley trail very doable but upper section would be a bit easier once the water levels go down. 10.5 miles and we had the trails to ourselves - nice to finally get out and enjoy some good fall weather - thanks Tim and Hannah for a great day. |
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 | Name: |
Hikes with Hannah |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-11-01 |
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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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