| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Washington, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Great Gulf Trail, Gulfside, Trinity Heights Connector, Nelson Crag Trail, Old Jackson Road, Madison Gulf Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 19, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Very few vehicles were in the Great Gulf large parking lot |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There are many water crossings on the Great Gulf trail which were easily crossed on rocks some slightly under water. These crossings would be difficult when the water levels are higher. Two river crossings are spanned by bridges. The water crossings on the Madison Gulf trail were easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many fallen trees across the Great Gulf trail especially in the Wilderness Area but none present any difficulties. The trail up the headwall is poorly marked as cairns and blazes are infrequent. Although this lack of markings may be the Wilderness Area policy it conflicts with hikers trying to comply with the Alpine Zone guidelines to stay on the trail. It is difficult to stay on the trail when it is not well marked.
The scrub growth on the Nelson Crag trail needs trimming especially just above the point where the trail meets the auto road where the trail surface is hidden by the boughs. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The hike up the headwall may be difficult for some dogs due to loose rocks |
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 | Bugs: |
A few black flies near the flowing water on the headwall |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The hike to Mt Washington via the Great Gulf trail is unique in that there is more a sense of remoteness and no crowds as compared with other routes. It is long and rough in places and as noted earlier the track up the headwall is indistinct. The payback is nice cascades on the West Branch of the Peabody River, priceless views of the Great Gulf and Northern Presidentials, and Spaulding Pond surrounded by the rock walls of the glacial cirque (nice place to stop and eat).
Heading out of Spaulding Pond the trail is occupied by running water (not dangerous but you're likely to get wet footwear). The trail continues to weave back and forth across the stream draining the ravine. The cool water is likely to splash on you which was nice on a warm day but wouldn't be appreciated on a cold day. There were many flowers in bloom in the ravine stream; Arnica, Mountain Avens, Goldenrod, and Harebell.
The only other hiker I met that intended to hike up the headwall was a New Zealander. Most of the people I met were on the AT sections and at the summit. Good visibility on Friday permitted great views from ME to VT. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-08-20 |
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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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