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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Adams, Mt. Madison, NH
Trails
Trails: Great Gulf Trail, Madison Gulf Trail, Parapet Trail, Star Lake Trail, Air Line, Gulfside, Osgood Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty of room in the Great Gulf Wilderness parking area (WMNF Fee Area). 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Standing/Running Water on Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The many crossings of the Parapet Brook facilitated by rocks however many were wet and slippery. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trails in good shape. Clear of obstructions. Difficulties on the Madison Gulf trail are a result of the rough terrain and not a trail maintenance problem. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Madison Gulf Trail may be challenging for many dogs. 
Bugs
Bugs: None. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Great Gulf Trail has some small mud spots but overall in good condition. The Madison Gulf Trail involves a lot of crossings of Parapet Brook. The spotting of the trail continuation for two of the crossings was a bit difficult as the pathway on the other side of the brook was hard to spot. In one case a small cairn amidst the rock/ledge stream bed helps in identifying the pathway. Some of the crossings are made on wet mossy rocks. There is one difficult steep ledge. Taking the left route on ascent is the path of least difficulty in tackling the ledge. Used crack in ledge to ascend upper half of steep ledge. At least the rock surface was dry. Sylvan Cascade was nice. There is a wet area thereafter which can be crossed on many rocks. There are very few light blue or pink blazes marking the Madison Gulf Trail but the way is mostly evident. I found the footing on the Star Lake Trail to be better than the guide indicated. Perhaps some trail work had been performed. The Air Line down Mt Adams, the Gulfside to the col, and the Osgood Trail were generally easy to hike on this pleasant day. The kitchen and dining areas of the Madison Spring hut have been torn down and work crews were installing a new sub-floor. The old bunk areas were still intact. There is a lot of lumber and other building material. A helicopter was continually ferrying material to the site.  
Name
Name: WAUMBEK 
E-Mail
E-Mail: WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2010-09-18 
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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