NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, Mt. Madison, NH
Trails
Trails: Caps Ridge Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside, Valley Way
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, August 21, 2021
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Was dropped off at caps ridge, full parking lot at 945am. Picked up at Appalachia Trail head at 5:45pm, plenty of parking in the lot and on the road 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Very minor step over water streams on Valley way, a few muddy spots here and there 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trail markers for Gulfside and Caps ridge really need some TLC, very faded and hard to see 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: So many off leash dogs, many were walking on the alpine, very sad. A number of dogs had shredded paws due to the rocks, you could see bloody paw prints on the rocks and some howling. A off leash dog bit a leashed dog. Some dog waste left directly on the trails on caps ridge 
Bugs
Bugs: Lots of bugs, but nothing that was biting. Plenty of spiders on the ridge between Mountains.  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Needed to finish Jefferson, Adams, and Madison to complete the 48. Really wanted to do a one hike as well as the "terrifying" caps ridge trail. Started at around 9:45am and made my way up caps ridge to Jefferson in 1.75 hours. Caps Ridge wasn't difficult, definitely wasn't as scary/terrifying as others make it seem, it is technical in some spots, but that's where the fun is, in my opinion. Once on Jefferson, took a quick drink and food break and hiked right over to Mt Adams. The views were very nice, really lucked out on the weather. there was a 40% of rain and T-storms for today, but it seemed that all that rain went right over the Carter-Moriah ridge (as seen on top of Mt Adams). Mt adams was nice, really enjoyed the rock climbing aspect, saw some dogs up there, off leash of course. Went over to Madison hut, used the bathroom and washed my hands and refilled on water. Went right on up to Mt madison to finish the 48. Only a few people there at around 2:45pm. Was very pleasant sitting on the summit and over looking the valley onto Mt washington and the Carters and Wildcats. Jackson was hidden in the clouds as some funky clouds started to roll in. Stayed up on top for a little longer and began my descent at 3pm. Took valley way down, as it appeared online that is the easier of the routes to take, and I was glad to have taken that. I could feel my knees starting to hurt as well as neck pain from having to stare down for hours on end while hiking. At one point the trail splits and you can walk along the Sydney Brook to see some waterfalls, which is definitely worth the very small detour. Overall 10.6miles for 3 peaks, finished at 530pm when I hit the parking lot. A good way to finish the 48.

(saw a lot of people who were not prepared for this trail ie: wearing regular sneakers and carrying only one water bottle[no backpacks!], please do your research and encourage others to do the same)  
Name
Name: Finally finished 48 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2021-08-22 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved