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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Little Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf, Bear Mountain, Oregon Mountain, Mowglis Mountain, Firescrew, Mt. Cardigan, Mt. Cardigan (South Peak), Rimrock, Orange Mountain, Crane Mountain, Church Mountain, Brown Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: Elwell Trail, Oregon Mountain Trail, Mowglis Trail, Clark Trail, South Ridge Trail, Skyland Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: We spotted a vehicle at the Elwell Trail trailhead near Wellington State Park -- plenty of room for a dozen or more vehicles -- and another at Alexandria Four Corners. Parking for a few vehicles on the side of the road at Alexandria Four Corners. (Per AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, don't block any driveways.)  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Not an issue. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trails generally in good shape; see our report from May 17, but note that Point No. 7 is no longer valid because of recent brushing on this section of the Elwell Trail. On Skyland Trail, see our report from December 4 of 2017, but add one more blowdown: just east of summit of Church Mountain, a new blowdown (rotted tree) blocks the trail (can be walked around).  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs: Eye flies and deer flies -- it's that time of year. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Nice, long, sort-of-boomerang-shaped ridge traverse with Mt. Cardigan at the center, with a quick trip to Oregon Mountain for lunch.

Just over 17 miles in length with approximately 6200 feet of elevation gain -- simply not do-able if most of the trails were not as in good shape as they are now (thank you, trail maintainers!).

One of us, unfortunately, developed some leg cramps near Firescrew and ended up bailing on middle section of the route to avoid some scrambles, before taking an alternate, lower-elevation route and re-joining later on the Skyland Trail. The hike length was the same, but it did shave 1000 feet of elevation gain off. More important was that we finished together and keep the car spot intact.

Other than that mishap, a fine day out.  
Name
Name: Pancks and Tesco Heaney 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2018-06-28 
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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