| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Madison Gulf Trail, Star Lake Trail, Gulfside, Sphinx Trail, Great Gulf Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Crossings are all easy. Stick your head in the crystal clear waterfalls of the Peabody river, it feels like heaven |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Everything was in good shape for the most part. Some spotty blowdowns in the great gulf |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one lovely dog going up Madison, but it still wasn't as cute as the wiener dog I saw on the bonds a few weeks ago |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitos in the wetter areas of the gulf and black flies in Edmands col. Other than that it was pleasantly bug free |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The trek in along the Peabody river is nice and easy to follow with more of a true wilderness feel than the pemi. You have a different perspective of the presis from inside the gulf. Beginning up the Madison Gulf trail the wilderness looks like something out of the Hobbit, and the headwalls of the mountains just tower over you. It's much more epic than the approaches from the Valley Way side. Other than a few meanders through dry creek beds, Madison Gulf is easy to follow. The last 800' or so is strenuous with part of it going through a small cascade. I didn't think it was scary, but you have to use your hands in parts and it's exciting. Once above treeline, the Gulfside trail across the summits is your typical climb through boulder fields. There was a nice breeze today and not too many bugs to speak of, with the exception of a few black flies in Edmands Col. Despite it's classification as a terrifying 25, coming down Sphinx wasn't at all scary, albeit slow going. It's a nice descent through unique alpine gardens and rock formations. Part of the trail has some running water on it, just watch your footing and you'll be fine. The walkout along the Great Gulf Trail is straightforward. Dodge a few blowdowns and mud puddles here and there and stick your head in a refreshing waterfall and call it a day. |
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 | Name: |
Ross |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-07-11 |
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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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