| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sawyer Pond, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Sawyer Pond Trail, Brunel Trail, Sawyer Pond Shelter Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, June 1, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at the parking areas at either end of Sawyer Pond Trail. No issues. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of Swift River at the south end of Sawyer Pond Trail never reached my knees, and I'm 5'5". With waders it was straightforward. One easy rock hop crossing the Sawyer Pond outlet brook (which needs a better name) right at Sawyer Pond. Both crossings on the northern part of Sawyer Pond Trail have bridges. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several blowdowns on Sawyer Pond Trail south of the pond, including some that require bushwhacking around. Some muddy areas both south and north of the pond. Signs are all in place. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
They might need to be carried across the Swift River at the south end of the trail, but besides that, they'd be fine. |
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 | Bugs: |
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. If your goal is to get eaten alive, now is the time to go hiking in the White Mountains. If you don't want to get eaten alive, bring a head net (or even a bug suit) and strong bug spray, and apply it frequently. And don't take breaks either - when you do, you can hear all the bugs buzzing around your head net. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Probably lost a fair amount of blood to all the mosquitoes. |
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 | Comments: |
This was a backpacking trip with an overnight at Sawyer Pond. The river crossing at the south end of Sawyer Pond Trail is easily done with waders - otherwise your legs and feet will get wet. Trail is easy to follow. I redlined the portion of Brunel Trail from Sawyer Pond Trail to where it diverges from Rob Brook Road on its way to Owl's Cliff and Tremont - most of that section was on the road. Signs are present at both junctions on and off the road, but keep an eye out for them. The climb up the side of Birch Hill is gradual but felt tougher because of the relentless heat and humidity. I can see how Birch Hill got its name - lots of birch trees in all directions. The trail then descends a little bit and then has a long wet section with a slight incline - did not enjoy that part. The pond is beautiful, though, and the view up to Owl's Cliff and Tremont is excellent. The reflection of those mountains in the pond is also amazing. Bugs were our constant companions the entire afternoon, evening, and night - there were only a few other people there.
Hiked out Sawyer Pond Trail to Sawyer River Road the next morning. Not much to say about that part except that the trail has some muddy areas.
Great way to kick off backpacking season! |
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 | Name: |
GN |
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 | E-Mail: |
ghnaigles@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-06-02 |
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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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