| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Crawford, Stairs Mountain, Mt. Davis, Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Davis Path, Crawford Spur, Stairs Spur, Davis Spur, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
One other overnight car when starting at 5am, 4 cars in lot when return at 4pm. Plenty of spots in large Davis trailhead lot |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None besides Saco River bridge to start and end |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is pretty easy to follow, however I didn't notice any blazes past Crawford ledges. Davis path between Stairs and Isolation has many branches encroaching on trail. One wet area is a little ambiguous where to go, but a quick pause and look around was easy to locate trail. Some older blowdowns, but nothing problematic |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Mozzies were out in force in the morning below Mt Crawford, flies were buzzing on Stairs and Isolation, curiously none on Davis. Very little breeze and hot muggy conditions |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A little late getting this report, but didn't see too many recent Davis Path reports.
Hot day, like most this past week, but it was comfortable off the ledges and under the trees.
I was propelled up the steep initial ascent to Mt Crawford by keeping ahead of the mosquitos. Probably spent too much energy on a 20 mile day racing up the first 2.5 miles, but the views from Crawford were amazing in the early morning.
Next section to Stairs was fairly easy and again great views from Stairs. Here I saw the only person all day, he had camped on Stairs and was the owner of the other overnight car in the lot.
Davis path from Stairs on I did not see a single blaze, but path is well worn. A little overgrown in places, but not as bad as I was planning based on a recentish alltrails report. Trail gently rose and fell along the ridge. A moose cow and calf appear to be using Davis path between Stairs and Isolation. Didnt see them, but lots of prints in the mud.
Spur paths to Davis and Isolation were short but tough. I am not quite in peak fitness for 20 mile days yet, probably won't push that far in one day until the fall with more regular hikes knocking off the winter and covid rust.
Unbelievable views from all summits. Had seen some pics from Isolation, but was not expecting each peak to be this amazing. Bugs kept me from spending too much time, but def didn't let them chase me from enjoying the views.
Didn't see any running brooks or streams up on the ridge, perhaps there are some off trail looking at the map. Only water I saw were a couple mosquito pools, backpackers plan accordingly for this stretch at least this time of year.
Trek back was long as I was tired at about mileqss 9, but still enjoyable. Maybe it was the exhaustion or I was just so eager in the morning, but the path overgrowth seemed to knock off my hat and hit me in the face much more on the return. Last couple miles descending from Crawford did a number on my knees. Promptly laid in the Saco for 10 minutes to wash off all the sweat and make sure I smelt ok enough to be let back in the house when I got home.
Such a great day in the Whites. |
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 | Name: |
jd |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-06-27 |
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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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