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Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Jackson, Mt. Pierce, NH
Trails
Trails: Webster-Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Mt. Clinton Trail, Dry River Trail, bushwhack, Mt. Eisenhower Trail, Dry River Cutoff, Mizpah Cutoff, Crawford Path, Saco Lake Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, June 29, 2014
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty of room today in the lot across from the Webster - Jackson Tr.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: There are 7 crossing of the main Brook descending Mt Clinton Tr several require care as the trail is overgrown and erroded. We lost the trail at a couple of the crossings until we found some flagging to show us the way. Water was low in the Dry River River but the crossing was still a bit tricky to keep the boots dry. Almost all of these crossings would be difficult with high water. The Dry River crossing on the Mt Eisenhower Tr was just low enough to keep my feet dry. There is a little confusion once headed up the Dry River Cutoff. At the second crossing head down stream a short distance or follow the flagging down the first crossing to the confluence then up the second crossing. All other crossings were trivial. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The trails for a normal Jackson -Pierce hike are in great shape. The Mt Clinton Tr is in dire need of a haircut. The sign at the junction of the Dry River Cutoff is missing. Many of the water bars are failing and there is some boot sucking mud in spots. At the crossings the trail is not always obvious on the other side due to erosion, blowdowns, and light traffic. The junction with the Dry River Tr has been washed into the Atlantic forcing you to descend then reclimb the 15 to 20 foot banks on each side. There was some flagging near the bottom of the trail and it should be a little easier to follow now. The Dry River Bushwhack was not that bad. There were 4 sections of the Dry River Tr that have been washed away but all are easily bypassed and there was flagging to show the way. The Isolation Tr junction is still in place as is the junction for the Mt Eisenhower Tr. Other than the tricky crossings at the start of the Dry River Cutoff, the Mt Eisenhower Tr and Dry River Cutoff were easy enough to follow and live up to the expectations of a wilderness trail.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: It was a long, warm day for Marlie but there was plenty of water on the trails to stay hydrated. It was great to meet Pepper and John again, this time to join forces and descend the Mt Clinton Tr. I heard Pepper was useful finding the trail on the way back up. 
Bugs
Bugs: Black flies on both Jackson and Pierce so we didn't linger long. Annoying gnats along the Dry River. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Lost: The junction of Mt Clinton Tr and Dry River Tr. 
 
Comments
Comments: After summiting Jackson and Pierce I planned to get a couple new trails redlined. We met Pepper and John along the Mt Clinton Tr about a half mile below Dry River Cutoff. I was very fortunate to meet them here as the trail soon became very obscure but they provided encouragement to push on. Once we crossed the Dry River we parted ways and they headed back up the Mt Clinton Tr. We would meet again in the parking lot and I was told it is slightly easier to follow going up with the flagging. I'd suggest this trail should only be followed by experienced hikers. The washouts along the Dry River are very impressive! It was a fun day with great trails if you enjoy secluded forest. The Saco Lake Tr is always a nice alternative to the short road walk.

16.6 mi. 5200' elev + 9 hr 20 min  
Name
Name: IQuest 
E-Mail
E-Mail: iandanner@hotmail com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2014-06-29 
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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