Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| 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 |
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| Trails: |
Elwell Trail, Oregon Mountain Trail, Mowglis Trail, Clark Trail, South Ridge Trail, Skyland Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 |
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| 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.) |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Not an issue. |
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| 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Trails generally in good shape; see our report from May 17, but note that Point No. 7 is no longer valid because of recent brushing on this section of the Elwell Trail.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). |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
Eye flies and deer flies -- it's that time of year. |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| 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. |
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| Name: |
Pancks and Tesco Heaney |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-06-28 |
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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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