| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, Mt. Lafayette, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Skookumchuck Trail, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 6, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Gale River Loop Road trailhead, left another vehicle at Skooumchuck. Amazed how fast some people drive down this loop road, keep your dogs close by...don't let them wander. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
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: |
Nothing of note. Both brooks were good rock hops. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a few good pups up top, mostly off leash. |
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 | Bugs: |
Very manageable. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Arrived to park just before 8AM, and managed to fit myself into a spot right next to the kiosk. Some were already parking on the road, one car got creative or confused and parked perpendicular to the rest of them. We passed only a couple of groups of people, one with a dog that shared my feelings regarding most people. Halfway up we crossed paths with a couple of separate backpackers descending, and I wondered after if they meant to. Reaching the Garfield Ridge/AT junction just below the summit we found the sign turned just enough to point folks down the wrong way if they didn't know better. Not sure if that was the cause, but we righted it anyway with surprising ease. The summit offered mildly hazy views deep into the Pemigewasset range, always beautiful to see.
On our way once again, we continued across the Garfield Ridge Trail; we encountered quite a number of northbound AT hikers, and lots of hopeful Pemi loop contestants. We found a few spectacular campsites along the way, some that we agreed looked super to stay at! Plenty of mud pits to keep your wheels turning, but didn't get overly messy. Passing by the Skookumchuck junction we beat feet for Lafayette and were greeted by a steady and at times strong wind. Enough to be happy you brought another layer for as long as you were in it. We backtracked to the Skook junction and had a quick lunch before making the descent. Almost back to the lot we opted for the much shorter, feet friendly, and practical abandoned Skookumchuck trail down to the bike path. It is obvious, across from a large rock with a big orange mark on it. While questioning the Forest Service's methodologies, we hopped in the car and headed off to collect the our car and beer. |
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 | Name: |
bria, Nordic_gal |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-08-07 |
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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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