| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Firescrew, Grotto Cave, Mt. Cardigan, Rimock, Orange Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Manning Trail, Mowglis Trail, Grotto Cave Spur, Clark Trail, South Ridge Trail, Skyland Trail, Vistamont Trail, Woodland Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 21, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I got the last spot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A couple of small crossings, thanks to the rain. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails were all in decent condition, except for the Grotto Cave Spur. Though it looks like it was blazed somewhat recently. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Happy dogs as always |
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 | Bugs: |
The worst flies were at the trailhead while I was packing up. Mosquitoes were also present on the Woodland trail on the way out. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This hike kicked my butt a little more than I thought it would. I think it was because I checked out the Grotto Cave. Anyways, the trip up Manning was uneventful, and occasionally wet. Views open up at a pretty low elevation, though the Canadian wildfire smoke obscured the visibility. The summit was windy but comfortable with a light fleece. I like Firescrew because of all the somewhat secluded ledges. Then it was off to Grotto Cave. This was a steep downclimb of prob 200 vertical feet. The trail was sketchy in places, and it involved me crab walking down about a 50 ft steep ledge (much easier scrambling up it!). The boulder cave itself was pretty cool, and the trail went right through the small opening. I suppose it was worth the effort. Cardigan was it's usual amazing, and wind blown self. I took refuge in my favorite NE facing nook and relaxed. Then it was off to South Peak and Rimrock. Great views back to Cardigan from South Peak, and awesome views west to VT from Rimrock. The smoky haze cleared briefly while on Rimrock, which was a nice surprise. Skyland trail is an absolute gem, and I look forward to completing the entire route at some point soon. Lots of moose sign (poop). Orange mtn is secluded, with a wild feeling....great views of Cardigan! Unfortunately the smoky haze returned big time, and you could even smell it. You know its a small world when you can smell wildfire smoke from Alberta in NH. The trip down Vistamont to Clark and Woodland was lovely. Lots of moose sign on the upper vistamont. Woods transitioned from spruce/fir to lovely mixed northern hardwoods. Lots of blooming trout lilies, trilliums, and hobblebush. Most of the way was "soft" footing (for mtn trails in NH) so it was a nice break on my feet. Bugs only became a nuisance on the final mile of the hike on the Woodland trail. Mosquitoes love me. Lots of dwarf Ginseng on the lower Woodland trail. I was glad to get back to the car but sad to leave. |
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 | Name: |
Phil |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-05-22 |
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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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