| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Highwater Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Evans Notch Rd (113) was opened late Thursday. Wild River Road is still closed due to washouts that need heavy machinery to repair and USFS had no access until this weekend. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Between Hastings and the Shelburne Trail are two water crossings that need to be waded across, at about 4.3 and 4.9 miles from Hastings. These were created by a storm in 2017 that created a new channel of the Wild River cutting off part of the trail onto an island. This is mentioned in the latest White Mountain Guide but not in older ones nor do they appear on any map I've seen. It is not recommended when water levels are high. Conditions can be checked below. Under 3 feet should be OK, but above that will be tricky. These two crossing are also prone to flooding damage and the trail may be rerouted or trail markers obliterated. Orange flagging is in place to indicate the best path.
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01054200/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail maintenance was performed 5/26-5/28 on the 5.3 miles between Hastings and the Shelburne Trail |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Water crossing could be difficult for all but larger water adept dogs. A couple larger blowdowns might require owners assistance to get over. A few places where drainages cross the trail have steep slopes that may be difficult for older or less active dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
It's that time of year. Head net and bug spray highly recommended |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I'm missing a small bottle of Ben's insect repellant. It could be on the trail or not. If found please carry out and dispose of. |
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 | Comments: |
I'm the trail adopter for the Highwater Trail between Hastings and the Shelburne Trail (5.3 miles). Trail maintenance was performed this weekend clearing blowdowns, cleaning drainages, and brushing. The only blowdowns remaining are easy stepover ones and a couple larger ones that require a little climbing to get over. There are two water crossings to deal with, see notes above. There is a couple areas that are muddy and some areas where the edge of the trail is eroding. So take care with your steps.
Sections of this trail are prone to flooding damage when there is a big storm and the Wild River rises as much as ten feet above normal. This happened three times since last fall. If there has been a big storm since this writing be aware that the trail may be in rough shape until we get out there again. Damage includes flood debris and trail erosion. Parts of the trail have eroded into the river over the years and relocations have been made.
Of particular concern is the area at about 4.9 miles south of Hastings and 0.4 miles north of the Shelburne Trail, where the new channel of the Wild River enters. Flood debris piles are abound here and the best way through changes often. It is currently marked with a combination of yellow blazes and orange flagging. The current path is different than it was last fall, which is different that it was last year, and the year before that. It changes often and will continue to do so. At times trees have been able to have been used as a bridge, but they get moved with each storm, and currently wading is the only viable option. If you note any new damage please let me know through email. This trail is a challenge to maintain but we will endeavor to keep up. |
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 | Name: |
Andreas |
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 | E-Mail: |
andyf0722@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-05-29 |
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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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