| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Bike path, Greenleaf Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Skookumchuck Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, September 13, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
|
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few muddy areas on the section of Skookumchuck that runs parallel to the brook. Everthing else in great shape. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
~3 miles on the bike path from the Skookumchuck parking lot to the Greenleaf trailhead serves as an excellent warmup for the rest of this 11.8 mile loop. (Make sure to look out for bikes and stay off to the side when possible).
Greenleaf trail in good shape from the notch to the hut. Surfaces were a bit wet on the N facing section that climbs from Eagle Pass. The air above the hut was abuzz with helicopters dropping off supplies for the rest of the season. It was also around there that conditions went from 'sweaty' to 'break out the layers' real quick, courtesy of gusty winds a low cloud ceiling that hadn't quite yet un-stuck itself from the ridge. Extra pair of socks ended up doubling as a servicable pair of mittens in a pinch. Summit was in & out of the clouds by the time I got up there around 12:30. Interesting valley views to the east, with the whole Pemi loop even opening up for a few minutes. Clearer to the south and west, with only Moosilauke still [slightly] socked in.
Lucked out and stayed mostly below the clouds over North Lafayette and down to the Skookumchuck junction. Although long, Skookumchuck is relatively mellow and was a blast to descend, save for a lone steep section that features a long rock staircase. It also makes its way through some gorgeous areas of mossy, widely spaced evergreens between treeline and ~3,000 feet. Below that is the steep section, and below that is another beautiful stretch that follows Skookumchuck Brook. There were a few muddy spots down here - not too much of a problem today but worth keeping in mind if it is or has been wet lately.
Only wish I'd started a couple hours later - the summit was cloud-free by the time I pulled out of the parking lot around 3. (Because of course it was). Still a great day regardless.
|
|
 | Name: |
603hiker |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-14 |
|
 | 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. |
|
