| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Adams, Mt. Madison, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Great Gulf Trail, Osgood Trail, Osgood Cutoff, Six Husbands Trail, Buttress Trail, Star Lake Trail, Lowes Path, Gulfside |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, June 20, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
plenty of room |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All water crossings were low and easy to find rocks to step on, poles were helpful on the mossy slick rocks.
Jefferson Brook was the only crossing where it wasn't clear where the trail was until we got to the other side. (slightly downstream, at a tiny cairn) |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I haven't been on Osgood Trail for a few years, super impressed by all the steps, staircase, and rock walls, and improvements. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I wouldn't encourage anyone to bring their companion here |
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 | Bugs: |
yes, some in the earlier part of the day but the wind took care of them for the most part. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
The tip of a pole broken off on Osgood trail carried it out. |
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 | Comments: |
After reading the Buttress Trail description and checking youtube for more info we decided to ascend the Buttress and get a few summits then come down Osgood. This report focuses on the Buttress Trail only - in an effort to avoid being redundant or loquacious (see Rocket21's report). Right off the bat, the trail is soft underfoot and lightly used, awesomely wild but obscure near the campsite after Jefferson Brook.
The way the trail is angled on the sidehill allows for a more gentle climb although the approach was long it was enjoyable and milder than I expected. This trail has so much to offer - starting off in the trees, then on the talus field, then back in the cover of the canopy, some scrambles over jagged slabs, then above treeline for a full view of the approach to the ridge before dipping down in the trees and scrub and arriving at the junction of Star Lake. This would be the perfect approach for anyone wanting to avoid heavy hiker traffic and other common summer routes, we didn't see a soul until we got to Star Lake.
We left a car at Appalachia, and that would have been a Wayy easier route down, but we wanted an adventure. Perfect conditions not too hot and light winds. Thanks for the good company of my Vt hiking buddy, I was a little under the weather the first few miles. |
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 | Name: |
Rachel |
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 | E-Mail: |
ball one three one one at yahoo dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-06-21 |
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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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