| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Stillwater Junction (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Pemi East Side Trail, Pine Island Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 10, 2014 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large paved lot; full facilies; fee area. Surprised even with the weather to only see 6 cars at 7:45AM on a SAT. Even when I left at 12:30 the lot was only 1/3 full (and the sun had come out) |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I turned back at the Cedar Brook crossing at 3.9 miles. Water was very high. There were two toppled trees that were possible crossings. They were well above the water though so poles couldn't be used for balance. The longer of the two logs had no bark on second half. The other tree was shorter but had some bounce. Both were wet and slick. I went 100 yds in either direction for options but through in the towel. If I had water shoes I would have just walked through at trail (roughly 2' deep with a moderate current). Other minor crossings all very easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Both trails in very good shape. East Side trail had a large washout roughly 1 mile in but it is easily negotiated. Toward the Cedar Brook junction there are several section of log rollers in the trail that are very old and broken/displaced. The 29th edition of AMC Guide lists the Pine Island trail as closed but it appears to have been reopened. Neither trail junction was blocked and it was freshly and generously blazed with yellow rectangles. Even the river crossings had blazed rocks in middle. Looked like a lot of recent tree cutting toward North end of trail too as it was rerouted in places. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
All fine for dogs. Saw a few late as I was getting back to lot. |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
n/a |
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 | Comments: |
Lousy weather AM forced me into a "Plan B" hike. Actually enjoyed following the river while it is raging. This side of the river is far more enjoyable than the Lincoln Woods side. Trail goes through nice stands of huge birch trees and then has numerous areas along the river. Pine Island trail is very nice walk and a welcome detour from the "road". The only thing I didn't care for was the Franconia Brook tent site area. The welcome kiosk was covered in trash and there was old pilings and cable all over the trail. Was really dumpy looking. Did have an outhouse though if you didn't take advantage of Lincoln Woods facilities. |
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 | Name: |
DayTrip |
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 | E-Mail: |
bblanchette0709@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-05-10 |
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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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