| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Hedgehog Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
UNH Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, April 22, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues at an empty Downes Brook Trailhead, 6-7 cars when we returned, maybe half full |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
White Brook on the eastside of the loop was easily walk-overable. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Seemed all good, one wet patch heading back from east ledges in the hardwoods which seemed longstandingly sloppy - enough so to have an herd path started alongside |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw none, some poop on the trail was unnecessary though. |
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 | Bugs: |
None noticed |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
Began out of the Downes Brook TH atop a 16" monorail which was essentially stable if trekking along the center, would collapse if given the chance, old post holes to the side, the old railroad bed trail surface really wasn't muddy, thankfully. Continuing southerly down the UNH we took the western branch first to Allen Ledges, the trail was in great shape for early spring; dry trail despite showing its old erosion and exposed roots/rocks. Thankfully any blowdown had already been cleared, loop trail was in great shape overall.
Beautiful panoramic view from atop any of the ledges, there is a short spur trail just before the high point with nice westerly views toward Tripyramids. Mt Passaconaway is out-of-this-world up close from the summit and east cliffs of Hedgehog. After descending the summit by way of ledgy/bare rock switchbacks the trail cuts through more enjoyable spruce with massive boulders and rock faces before coming out atop the eastern cliffs. Yellow blazes show the way with bare rock paths meandering all over the east cliff bump. Back into the forest and through another brief blowdown patch which had been cleared brings hikers into hardwood where the pathway becomes a bit soggy. There is a minor herd path leading around the wettest section to the left of the actual trail.
All in all a beautiful hike with great views - thanks to a high cloud ceiling. Nice to have really minimal snow, I've found snow lingering above 2700' in other parts of the Whites and only got to just over 2500' on Hedgehog so there was no snow at or near the summit, just down low along the RR grade walk to the first junction. Hillsounds went for a ride.
Feel free to check out a more comprehensive trail report with color photography at the link provided below. Enjoy!
Happy Climbing!
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|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
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 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-23 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/hedgehog-mtn |
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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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