| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Twin Mountain, North Twin Mountain, Galehead Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, Frost |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at the Gale River trailhead parking. The Gale River Loop Road is in good condition with some light tractor tread on surface that did not affect the drive smoothness. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Garfield Brook crossing on the Gale River Trail was easy on rocks. Water level low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One striped maple 4" to 5" diameter around 3' to 4' above the surface across Gale River Trail about a mile or so from trailhead. The only other tree fall was on the Gale River Trail but it was an easy step over. Otherwise, no obstructions.
One log bridge on the Gale River Trail has been removed for many years now. It is the third bridge uphill from the upper junction of the relocated trail with the old trail. Another log bridge section at this spot is still intact. Not sure if this bridge segment will be reinstalled. The missing bridge caused no difficulties today.
A portion of the North Twin Spur has evergreen boughs intruding in to the pathway. The trail is visible. If the boughs are wet you'll be soaked. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. One small dog named Bill was handling the trails well around the Twins. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
There were some puddles on the trails. The worst was on the North Twin Spur in the usual places below the South Twin summit. Even in these spots there are mud covered rocks that can aid in passage. More substantial steppingstones would help in a providing a more stable walk over these mud puddles that are just about a permanent feature when there is no snow cover.
The relocated section of the Gale River Trail appears to be hardening as there wasn't a whole lot of mud in this section of trail.
The 1,100 foot elevation gain in 0.7 miles up South Twin on the Twinway has decent footing but will test your stamina.
Great views on both Twins. The best view on the Galehead summit is in a blowdown area reached by a well worn short herd path.
Saw Wood Sorrel, Goldenrod, Bunchberry, and Orange Hawkweed.
Lots of hikers out today. AT thru hikers, multi day Pemi Loopers, AMC Hut guests and croo, and local New England hikers. The hikers included kids and one man in his 70's.
Chatted with one 68 yr old hiker from Newmarket NH on way to Galehead and a 31 yr old hiker from Springfield MA between the Twins.
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-07-27 |
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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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