| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Washington, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Huntington Ravine Trail, Alpine Garden Trail, Lion Head Trail, Boott Spur Link Trail, John Sherburne Ski Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 7, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At 0800, the parking lot was greater than 75% full. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A large blow down at the very end of the John Sherburne Ski Trail is blocking the access on to the bridge. You can go around it and climb on to the edge of the bridge or cross through the water. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Ten years ago we started hiking in the White Mountains and the first trail we did was Huntington Ravine Trail. It shook us to say the least. After a decade of hiking and experiencing a lot of other trails in the Northeast, the return to Huntington Ravine was much tamer than anticipated.
The trail is decently well labeled with yellow blazes going up the headwall and when you stick to them the climb proves rather controlled. Each spot has good handholds to get a nice grip and pull yourself up. Ten years ago we remembered a part where we had to pull ourselves up and a shear vertical drop was behind us. We did not find that spot again so I think it is safe to assume, the blazing was not as good and we probably got a bit off trail. There were people hesitating and struggling at parts so this trail is not for everyone.
The summit was your standard zoo with people. The summit sign had a line probably 20 people deep. People wearing masks were a mixed bag outside, but if you were able to get a reservation to go inside to visit the cafe things were much more controlled. Social distancing is in full force and they are only letting in a small number of people. Be aware that water fountains and the hiker's room are closed at this time.
The majority of hikers were utilizing the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which was a highway of people on the way down. We bailed out at the Hermit Lake Shelter and jumped on to the John Sherburne Ski Trail. Unfortunately, it is not maintained this year like it was two years ago when Tuckerman Ravine was closed. The grass is long, but you can still stick to the tire ruts for the most part. This is a way easier descent than Tuckerman Ravine Trail and it spits you out at the southern end of the parking lot at Pinkham Notch.
For those hoping to take a nice shower after a long hike, those are currently closed too.
My Garmin Fenix 5X really botched the GPS track on both the ascent (lost me on the way to the Huntington Ravine Trail) and then at the summit it threw me all over the place. End result, it added about three miles to the round trip and puts a bit questioning into the elevation stats.
My desktop computer at home is currently apart as we do some renovations, so I will get around to a trail report in the coming weeks. |
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 | Name: |
BobTheLoveGoat |
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 | E-Mail: |
BobTheLoveGoat at yahoo dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-08-11 |
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 | Link: |
 https://lovegoatfilms.blogspot.com |
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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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