Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Iron Mountain, NH |
|
| Trails: |
Iron Mountain Trail |
|
| Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 |
|
| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Iron Mountain Road is a very well maintained, flat, smooth-graveled road. The road is narrow, but there are occasional pull-outs that allow cars to pass. There is a parking lot at the top of this road on the right-hand side. |
|
| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
| Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
| Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
| Dog-Related Notes: |
My chihuahua had no problems with this trail. |
|
| Bugs: |
None |
|
| Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
| Comments: |
There are no blazes on the trail but the trail is easy to follow. Many hiking logs indicate that the Iron Mountain Trail is a very eroded, steep trail. One log said some hikers turned back because it was too difficult. Yes the trail is eroded, but it isn’t a difficult trail. Adding the South Cliffs without heading to the iron mines, the trail is only 3.2 miles round trip and 3.6 miles if you add the iron mines. I didn’t feel it was too steep; any steep areas were offset by level ones. I do recommend watching your step because of the numerous loose rocks now hidden under fallen leaves. I would imagine in the spring with thawing snow and running water it would be quite an adventure to hike this trail.
The fallen leaves bring peekaboo trail-views along the way to the summit. There are no views at the summit, just the remains of the old fire tower and piles of iron ore rocks. There is a small handwritten sign pointing you in the direction of the south cliffs. Continue past the summit for .6 miles. When you see a large boulder on the left of the trail you are about 5 minutes away. Take a left where a small cairn marks the way. This will lead you to the south cliffs rewarding you with sweeping, unobstructed mountain views.
Amazing views for such a short hike. A highly recommended hike. |
|
| Name: |
solowoodlandwanderer |
|
| E-Mail: |
bugsandthings@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2014-10-16 |
|
| Link: |
https://solowoodlandwanderer.blogspot.com/2014/10/iron-mountain-and-south-cliffs-short.html |
|
|
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. |
|