| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Lafayette, Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Truman, Mt. Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Skookumchuck Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Falling Waters Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, May 22, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Loy was full when we finished around 2:30. Lots of late starters. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Feet got slightly wet on the first and last crossings on Falling Waters. The water is running good now, but all crossings can be done with careful rock-hopping. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The ones we saw seemed to be enjoying themselves. |
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 | Bugs: |
Amazingly...just about none. Not gonna ask, just gonna take it. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
A couple random items stashed at trail junctions/trailheads. |
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 | Comments: |
What a day on the Ridge. Three-season hike for sure.
Up Skookumchuck was typical Spring conditions until about 3200’. The monorail began there, and continued until we broke treeline. At least a mile of monorail, mostly stable. Easily 4’ of snow still. Feels like the snow is going to be around until July.
FRT mostly dry, but random patches of monorail here and there. Said patches looked to be a couple feet deep.
Falling Waters was an adventure. As soon as we dipped off the Ridge, 3-4’ of monorail. Saw tons of people in just sneakers trying/struggling to make their way up. Monorail continued until about 3100’, then petered out. Returned at 2900’, went away, then returned again at 2500’. After that, it finally went away for good. The 2900’/2500’ sections were right near falls/big water crossings. You could easily feel the temperature drop 10-15 degrees.
There is still a lot of snow above 3000’. It’s not going anywhere for a while. Snowshoes would be useless due to how narrow the monorails are. Spikes were helpful, but not necessary. Very much winter above 4000 feet, and will be for a bit. Prepare accordingly!
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 | Name: |
Chef |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-22 |
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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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