Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Baldpate Mountain - West Peak, Baldpate Mountain - East Peak, Long Mountain, Puzzle Mountain, ME |
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| Trails: |
Grafton Loop Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 4, 2016 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Both parking lots at southern and northern ends nearly full on arrival around 8:15 am |
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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: |
Trivial |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail in great shape, with only limited muddy sections given recent dry weather. A few step over or duck under blow downs, but not bad. Some deciduous and shrubby vegetation encroaching on trail, which would be more problematic if wet. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
No running water for last 7+ miles at southern end, including at campsite about a mile down on north side of Puzzle Mountain. |
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| Bugs: |
Minor, not biting much |
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| Lost and Found: |
N.A. |
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| Comments: |
Wonderful somewhat recently constructed trail, retaining soft tread for long stretches, remeniscent of trails from back in the '60s, before many trails became badly eroded. The 21+ miles with close to 6000 ft vertical gain going north to south on the eastern part of the loop made for a long day, and we did not meet any other day hikers once we left East Baldpate, although we did see lots of backpackers. Perfect weather for this hike on a long weekend when no doubt other trails in the Whites were far more crowded. Really fine views from the main summits in all directions. Western part loop still on our bucket list. |
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| Name: |
HKFA Dr D |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-09-05 |
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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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