| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Trail, Emerald Trail, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Caps Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 14, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Small lot off route 2 at Bowman (Randolph) with around a half dozen vehicles. On weekends the lot fills quickly. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Crossing of Israel River not difficult. The crossing on the Castle Trail is best on rocks just upstream of the official trail crossing. The double crossing on the Israel Ridge Trail - first channel is dry, the second channel is crossed on rocks. The crossing of the Israel River in high water conditions is difficult. Crossing at Second Cascade just upstream of the official crossing. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails in generally good condition. Sign for Emerald Trail at the junction with Israel Ridge Trail is mostly destroyed. The temporary sign at the upper Israel Ridge - Randolph Path junction has no path name (s/b Randolph Path). One mountain ash branch hanging down to the Israel Ridge Path near the Perch (easy to brush aside). About a half dozen tree falls on the Castle Trail. Many hardwoods (maple & birch) and a clump of softwood across the Castle Trail between the Israel Ridge Trail and the flat section near Mt Bowman. One small evergreen (at most a half foot diameter) in the flat section of the Castle Trail. The ladders on the Israel Ridge trail have been replaced or new steps installed. Many trees cleared off the Castle Trail before the latest round of tree falls mentioned above. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The steep rocky ledges near the Castles on the Castle Trail may be difficult for some dogs. Not much water from the mid to upper elevations. Mica Schist rocks may abrade paws. |
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 | Bugs: |
None except the bee and flies at the Mt Jefferson summit. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The trails were exceptionally dry. Very few small mud spots. There is an extensive stretch of rock hopping above tree line on the Castle Trail that is typical of the northern Presidential peaks. Excellent views from all areas in the alpine zone and at Emerald Bluff. Stopped at Second Cascade to the side of the Israel Ridge Trail for a snack. The upper portion of the Israel Ridge trail below the tree line passes through virgin forest. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-08-14 |
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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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