| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, NH |
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 | Trails: |
The Link, Castle Trail, Jefferson Loop, Gulfside, Lowes Path, Air Line |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, September 20, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia looked to be about 3/4 full at 7:45 AM. Talked to another hiker who said it'd been a busy weekend. A car or 2 parked overnight on the side of the road suggested as much. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Cascade Brook crossing on the Link was a tad tricky - would've been a shoes-off endeavor had the water been any higher. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Wasn't looking for it, but I don't remember seeing a sign (or any sort of junction, for that matter) for the Emerald Trail out of Castle Ravine.
The 0.6 mile section of the Link between Castle Ravine Tr. and Castle Tr. is rough going - narrow, damp, often eroded (borderline washed out in a couple spots), and steep in 2 directions as it cuts up and across the wooded west wall of the ravine. Would not recommend descending if you can avoid it.
Short stretch of standing water on Gulfside, in the dip between the lower Israel Ridge jct. and Thunderstorm Jct. Was able to rock-hop through it with caution. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Followed the Link from Appalachia, and, after that nasty final climb, was rewarded with stunning views from the Castles (as well as a surprising amount of blueberries within reach of the trail - I imagine I caught the very tail end of the season for those). The first couple of Castles alone would make for a satisfying hike if you're looking for a shorter day.
Made my way up Jefferson from there, then across the Gulfside Trail to Adams. As said in another report, it was a near-perfect day up on the ridge, with barely a cloud in the sky and very little wind. Quite a few people on both summits as well as on Gulfside, but that's to be expected with weather like this. Descended via Air Line - as spectacular as the views had been all day, it did feel good to eventually get back below treeline and out of the sun. A few sections of Air Line were wet enough to make you stop and think about the next few steps, but thanks to some good drainage it never got truly messy. |
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 | Name: |
603hiker |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-21 |
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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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