| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 6, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Appalachia. Nice parking area. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Countless tiny streams were easily crossable by rock hopping. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few blowdowns that you can go over or under. A few cut trees which you need to watch out for as to not bump your head. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw three happy dogs who were doing a much better job on the trail than I was. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Some black flies but not biting. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
There was a black glove hanging from a tree limb. |
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|
 | Comments: |
The lower elevation area of Valley Way was free of snow. The trail was in good condition in spite of some sections having running water or mud. There are so many rocks that you can always find a place to put your next step. Over 3000 feet there was snow left on the trail. There was sturdy monorail in the center but it wasn't very wide. Few post holes and only to the side. It was easy to stay in the center part of the time until I got near the tent site. From the tent site and upwards the snow was softer and the trail was too thin, trying to slide me off to the left (downhill). It got so tedious and for other small reasons also, I was too slow and tired and decided to call it quits for this day. I carried snow shoes but did not use them since there was not a wide enough area to walk, nor was there any need for floatation. I saw a couple hikers who (also) did not go to the summit due to conditions. I saw a couple hikers on their way up who did plan to go to the summit. Overall the trail looked like not many people have been on it recently. |
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 | Name: |
RWhelton |
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 | E-Mail: |
rachelwhelton@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-05-06 |
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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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