| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Beede Falls, Guinea Pond, Mt. Israel , NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bearcamp River Trail, Sandwich Notch Road, Guinea Pond Trail, Mead Trail, Wentworth Trail, Highwater Detour |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 30, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at Mead Base so that the hike would end right at the car. Lots of space here. There is a good sized lot for people visiting the falls as well. There is side of the road parking where the Guinea Pond trail begins, but not much. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Many dry beds. Some bridges. A few tiny springs. Will second Liam"s words from the other day, the lack of water in this area is scary. I read somewhere this is one of the worse droughts in years. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many blowdowns on the Mead Trail. With the wind of the past 24 hours I am surprised there weren't more. Thanks to the maintainers for keeping up. A few bog boards are showing their age. Again, thank you! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
There is water along Sandwich Notch Road and GPT for canine hydration and entertainment. Make sure you have enough for the other trails |
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 | Bugs: |
None! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Beede Falls and a few small cascades, old cemetery, Guinea Pond, Mt. Israel
Bearcamp River Trail, Sandwich Notch Road, Guinea Pond Trail, Mead Trail, Wentworth Trail, Highwater Detour
Went to Mt. Israel years ago and rain came in as we were nearing the top. This time, I thought I'd make a loop of it as well. Two concerns: the infamous Sandwich Notch Road and the flooding on the Guinea Pond Trail. Although Swamp Fox was accurate about the improvements (as I found out on our 2.2 mile road walk) I wanted to see it first hand before bringing the Corolla. Not only was he right, but I had the opportunity to see an SUV and a Jeep graciously pull to the sides and pass each other. But I'm glad we walked, many interesting sights. There are a few small and pretty cascade above the Beede Falls area, cellar holes from the old days, and right before the trailhead, we followed a small herd path into a clearing and found a cemetery! Lots of boulders along the way, too. The road was in better condition than a lot of town and city streets (does anyone know if the section between Rt 49 (Waterville Valley) and the Algonquin Trailhead is in as good condition?).
Guinea Pond Trail was lovely. Due to the drought, no flooding. When you are travelling from Sandwich Notch Road, you will come to a section that often floods. There is a temporary sign here which says "Highwater Detour." Not needed today, but we took it for the redline and then did the short section that is fine right now. Soon afterward is the Mead Trail, which takes you to the summit of Israel. It is so gradual you don't realize you are ascending half the time. Summit was windy and cold, went a little further down to have our snacks. Mead and this trail normally have water, almost none today. Make sure you have enough for yourselves and any dogs depending on you.
Thanks to the Mead Center and other groups involved in maintaining this area. There is a camping area near the Center that is OFF LIMITS due to Covid. Please respect this.
One more thing, when coming along the Guinea Pond Trail from the other direction it does not have a temporary Highwater Detour sign. It will say Snow Mobile and point to the trail along the water, but you can use this. Just worded differently
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-08-30 |
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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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