| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Carrigain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Signal Ridge Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, Desolation Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Signal Ridge Trailhead off Sawyer River Rd. This is a good dirt road, passable by any vehicle. It is narrow in parts, but was able to pass another vehicle with both of us carefully negotiating the sides. Large lot with a kiosk, no privy, no fee. I was the third car in the lot at 06:30. Full by my return at 13:00 (1pm). Road is closed in winter (gated), with the winter alternate lot at the start of the road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing of significance, all rock hoppable even after the rains. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Most excellent job, dudes, on Desolation trail. Thanks for clearing the blow downs. Also, most excellent job on Carrigain Notch. Good “haircut” of the understory and blow down removal. Thanks so much!! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I would not recommend Desolation Trail for dogs due to the steep boulder scramble, though it would be doable for larger breeds. Plenty of water points on Carrigain Notch. Plenty. Otherwise, trails good for dogs. Both dogs I encountered were on leash and super friendly. I don’t necessarily subscribe to the “leash your dog or else” mentality. I like dogs (more so than humans sometimes). But one owner was concerned because she said her dog doesn’t like other dogs. I was kinda like, “weeeellll… maybe not a good to take this dog on a popular route…” I most certainly did not voice this as the owner was super nice and I wish her and her sweet pup a good time. |
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 | Bugs: |
I’m gonna figure out a way to take down noseems and deer flies… Oh they were such a bother on the Carrigain Notch trail. Otherwise, bug levels surprisingly low. Where are the dragonflies to take care of these mo’foes?!? |
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 | Lost and Found: |
One boot hanging on a tree after the “big” water crossing on Signal Ridge. One red bandana left on tree on this same trail. |
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 | Comments: |
If entering into a permanent twilight realm is your kryptonite, then the Carrigain Notch is for you. Trapped in forever shade, this quiet trail entices the thoughtful and nostalgic hiker to reflect on the many thousands of years it took the sun’s rays to reach the tree tops here.
Route:
Signal Ridge > Carrigain Notch > Desolation trail > Signal Ridge > end.
Signal Ridge: not blazed save the reroutes that are blazed sparingly in yellow. Simple to follow footbed. Very rough. Lots of pointy rocks. Great footing in lower elevations, though. Great grades to the junction with Carrigain Notch. Then the climb, or in my case the descent, begins in earnest.
Carrigain Notch: not blazed. Soft footbed with good footing. Fast trail. I love this trail. Though I ate my weight in spider webs, it was worth it. Lots of water points today. I kinda just wanted to stay on this trail all day.
Desolation trail: not blazed. Footbed simple to follow. Moderate climb for the first mile or so. Then the agony begins. Super steep with a major, steep rock scramble. The trail has narrowed by this point making it less scary as the trees are right next to you. But it it is still a major workout to get to the summit. It took me 1 hour, 15 mins to do this 1.9 miles in a day pack. I’ve done this trail before with light ice and snow and today took longer than that time… But, I like this trail. It’s quiet, much less travelled than it’s popular neighbor Signal Ridge. I don’t feel rushed, just perplexed as to why I’ve just scrambled up all these rocks and I’m not at the freaking summit yet!!! :)
Busy trail today in the afternoon. Several youngsters with various camp groups setting out to conquer Carrigain. I had the summit all to myself. Carrigain does offer one of the finest views in the Whites. I can understand the allure. |
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 | Name: |
Remington34 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-07-26 |
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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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