| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Square Ledge , NH |
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 | Trails: |
Oliverian Brook Trail, Square Ledge Branch Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Passaconaway Cutoff |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 22, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room in the Oliverian Brook trailhead off the Kanc - two vehicles when I arrived, a half-dozen when I got back. No issues with trailhead parking, but today was apparently Clueless Driver Day on the Kanc - in both directions I got stuck behind drivers who were going 15 below the speed limit, and couldn't stay in their lane to boot. Perhaps the NH DOT should put up a sign saying that drivers who want to gawk at the scenery need to pull into one of the many designated roadside parking areas to do that, rather than drive in an unsafe manner on the actual road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Four major crossings. Having been turned back twice before by them, I brought my waders this time. At the first major crossing on Oliverian Brook Trail, 2.2 miles from the trailhead, I was able to very carefully cross on exposed and submerged rocks while keeping my feet dry. For the next crossing, of Oliverian Brook a half-mile later, I put on my waders even though I only needed them for a few steps - an Olympic long jumper could've leaped across. The next crossing, right at the beginning of Square Ledge Branch Trail, was carefully rock-hopped. The final crossing, on Passaconaway Cutoff a half-mile from Oliverian Brook Trail, could maybe have been crossed with dry feet and without waders if my life depended on it, but luckily it didn't, so I just used the waders to make it easy. A few minor crossings that were easier. Strongly recommend at least bringing waders for this hike. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Numerous blowdowns, both in and outside of the Wilderness, but they were all simple step-overs. No blazes anywhere, but I didn't have any issues following the trails. Several sections of Oliverian Brook Trail and Passaconaway Cutoff were wet and muddy - keeping boots dry is very difficult. All junctions had signs. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
They might require a little bit of agility on the very steep section ascending Square Ledge, but otherwise they'd be fine. Watch them at the cliffy areas though. |
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 | Bugs: |
A few, but they weren't bothersome. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
This was an enjoyable and scenic hike. The lower section of Oliverian Brook Trail is muddy in spots but is still quite quick, and a small portion of the trail next to the beaver pond was flooded but luckily there was a bypass around that section that was dry. I recently read a report about this hike that said the walk from the trailhead to the junction with Passaconaway Cutoff took only 40 minutes - my initial reaction was there was no way I'd be able to do it that quickly (that's about 2.8 mph), however yes, that's exactly how long it took me.
The next section of Oliverian Brook Trail is clearly less-used, and muddy in places, but still gradual and not difficult to follow. Square Ledge Branch Trail was straightforward. On Square Ledge Trail, a couple short sections just before the steep climb might be tough to follow for beginners due to fallen leaves obscuring the trail. The steep climb itself is strenuous but not too difficult - the few small ledge scrambles were dry and the rocks had good grip. Despite Square Ledge being delisted from the 52WAV, it still has a nice view of Paugus and Paugus Pass from the viewpoint at the top of the steep climb. The next 0.6 miles of Square Ledge Trail are rough, and like a roller coaster - lots of ups and downs. The side path described in the WMG is easy to find since the main trail descends along the rock face immediately after passing it. The side path isn't really overgrown, nor is the edge of the cliff obscured (it was pretty obvious to me), and the view from the ledge is outstanding - you can see more than 180 degrees, and it encompasses all of Passaconaway's subpeaks as well as some mountains in the Pemi; in fact, the Captain, a small, cliffy peak to the southwest of Mt. Carrigain that the WMG says is only visible from a few viewpoints, is visible from this ledge.
Square Ledge Trail then descends, ascends, and descends again - none of those go on for too long. Passaconaway Cutoff first descends moderately, with some rocky, leafy footing, but it never got difficult. I could see Mt. Hedgehog across the valley. The lower part is gradual and easy, and there are arrows telling you where to cross the brook - there are other options, but it doesn't look like they'd be any better. Some major wet and muddy sections at the bottom of Passaconaway Cutoff.
Overall, I had a great time, and I didn't see any other hikers until I was less than a quarter-mile from the trailhead at the end of the hike. I wonder how far up the trail they were going. |
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 | Name: |
GN |
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 | E-Mail: |
ghnaigles@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-10-22 |
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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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