| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Howker Ridge Trail, Osgood Trail, Watson Path, Brookside, Kelton Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 28, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Many open spots at Randolph East on Pinkham B Road at 7:00AM |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings of Bumpus Brook and Snyder Brook were easy on rocks |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in generally good condition. There are a few spots requiring a trim of vegetation on Howker Ridge Trail and the Kelton Trail. The overgrowth does not obscure the pathway so one can still follow the trail. There is one small tree down on the Howker Ridge Trail above the fourth Howk that can be cut with a small saw. The tip of a small downed evergreen extends in to the Kelton Trail between Brookside and the Inlook Trail. The few other tree falls are on or near the ground. Bog bridges near the start of the Howker Ridge Trail were mostly in good condition with only one totally broken log. The Watson Path has improved footing from work performed in recent years. Sign at junction of the Watson Path and Pine Link only indicates the direction of the Pine Link Trail as the sign for the Watson Path is gone (the direction of the Watson Path seems obvious even w/o the sign) |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw dogs on summit and the Watson Path. Some dogs may need assistance on a few steep ledges on the Howker Ridge Trail |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Enjoyed the RMC trail approaches to Mt Madison. Met no other hikers on Howker Ridge Trail, the Brookside, and Kelton Trail. Thankfully, the rain held off with only a few sprinkles that did not slick up the rock surfaces. There was good visibility beneath the stratus cloud deck. The Watson Path is not recommended on a day forecast to have strong winds from the northwest as it is very exposed. The small cairns on the Watson Path may be difficult to see when the mountain is enshrouded in clouds. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-08-28 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
