Madison Gulf - Great Gulf Trail, Madison Gulf Trail, Parapet, Osgood Trail - 8-12-2013

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Madison Gulf, NH

	Trails:	Great Gulf Trail, Madison Gulf Trail, Parapet, Osgood Trail

	Date of Hike:	Monday, August 12, 2013

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Good sized paved area with room for plenty of cars. Fee area. Had outhouses. About 8 cars when I arrived and 8 when I left.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Standing/Running Water on Trail

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	Great Gulf Trail had 2 unbridged crossings both easy with dry feet. Madison Gulf Trail had 6 river crossings all easy with dry feet. Several of these crossings would be very difficult in wet weather, particularly the 3rd crossing which climbs up a very steep grade where two brooks meet and drop down in an almost waterfall area. Osgood Trail had two small easy brook crossings at bottom.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Great Gulf Trail had a few easy step over blowdowns in the upper sections before Madison Gulf Trail. Madison Gulf Trail had several similarly easy stepovers in lower section. Osgood Trail had several step overs and a few duck unders in the 0.6-0.7 mile section before treeline. They were a little awkward, especially descending, but nothing major. Blazes in non-wilderness areas were generally well worn and hard to see.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Other than Madison Gulf Trail these trails are fine for dogs. The section of Madison Gulf Trail above Sylvan Cascade is NOT FOR DOGS. Lot of significant ledge scrambles that are too tall and wide to pass a dog up even if you wanted too. Bushwhacking not possible because of dense scrub and steep rocks.

	Bugs:	Few mosquitos late toward bottom of Osgood Trail and heading out on Great Gulf Trail. Otherwise none.

	Lost and Found:	Someone left a Mount Washington map on Osgood Trail junction sign AM but it was gone PM. Hopefully the original owner got it back or didn't need it.


	Comments:	Trails very dry overall and in great shape. Great Gulf Trail had a lot of small mud patches that were easily avoided and/or stepped through because mud was firm. Madison Gulf trail was also very dry. Above Sylvan Falls there are a few areas where the trail is a little hard to follow zig-zagging across a small stream (watch for a few tiny cairns here and there) through some muddy areas before you reach the headwall. The headwall was very dry but had two very steep rock scrambles over moss covered rocks with quite a bit of running water. I did not find this trail nearly as imposing as the AMC Guide makes it sound. It is very steep and there are several very difficult scrambles toward the beginning but they were all short. The trail is in the scrub and short trees all the way to the end so views may not be what you think. Was disappointed. Thought it was going to be more like Tuckermans or Huntington. Footing on Parapet Trail is extremely rough with several "mini" ledge/rock scrambles that were awkward but not dangerous but trail also very dry. Question it's use as an escape route in bad weather. Very exposed at both ends and very slow walking. There was a notice posted on suspension bridge at beginning about problems with bears if you are camping in the area.

	Name:	DayTrip

	E-Mail:	bblanchette0709@gmail.com

	Date Submitted:	2013-08-13

	Link:	https://
		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.