| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
West Side Trail (Crawford Notch) |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 27, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The trail crosses over several drainages, most of which are easily negotiated. However, because of high-water conditions on the day of this hike, the crossing of Kedron Brook was a bit dicey, but doable. Probably this crossing would be a ‘non-issue’ at most other times of year. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few large blowdowns along the course of this trail, some of which might require removal with a chainsaw. However, all blowdowns are easily worked around since the woods on either side of the trail corridor are very open.
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Just for the heck of it, I hiked the 1.2 mile section of the new West Side Trail in Crawford Notch that was cut and blazed in 2016. This segment runs between the Kedron Flume Trail and the point where the Appalachian Trail crosses U.S. 302 at Willey House Station Road.
The complete trail description for this segment of the West Side Trail is contained on pages 188-189 of the 30th edition of AMC’s White Mountain Guide (WMG). As is stated in the WMG, this trail has “several turns and numerous ups and downsâ€. Having just hiked it, I can vouch for that! Could just be me, but seemed that the trail layout was somewhat unusual.
There is signage for this trail along the Kedron Flume Trail where the West Side Trail branches off. Also, there is similar signage for this trail near the junction of U.S. 302 and Willey House Station Road.
Being so new, the treadway for the West Side Trail has yet to be broken-in and therefore isn’t very apparent. However, the trail is well blazed which is helpful in navigating the numerous twists and turns. But, that being said, there are still a few spots where an additional blaze or two would be useful, particularly where the trail makes an abrupt change of course.
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 | Name: |
1HappyHiker |
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 | E-Mail: |
randonneur8@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-04-28 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/1HappyHikerNH/posts/10212899735022311 |
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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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