| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, August 20, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot is pretty small and was full by the time we arrived at 8am on a Sunday. However, there's plenty of room to park on the side of the road before and after the lot. Just make sure you pay attention to the 'no parking' signs for where you can/can't park. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A few water crossings within a few miles from the beginning of the trail. Passable by rock hopping without getting boots fully wet! |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
We brought our pup, a German Shepherd, and she loved it! With the water crossings and smaller streams, there are plenty of water sources for the pups (we always bring extra water for her too). Saw a bunch of other well-behaved pups on the trail as well. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not too bad today. Light/moderate breeze on the trail, windy at the top is probably why. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
First time summiting Garfield! I'm now 1/4 of the way through my 48 4000 footer journey, and this one was a great peak to mark that. I really enjoyed this hike. We parked alongside the road around 8am and started hiking around 8:45am after getting our gear together and some much needed coffee. The first two miles or so are relatively mild in terms of incline, so we were able to push the pace a bit. There's a few water crossings within the first mile or two, all close to each other from several streams converging. Some mud was avoidable on the trail, some you kind of just had to trudge through for a second, but nothing too crazy. With all the rain we've gotten this summer, it's not too surprising.
Within the last two miles or so of the summit it starts to get steeper and rockier. Rocks are pretty wet with light running water, so just be mindful of your steps and wear solid hiking boots! A few rock faces towards the top that you'll have to scramble over, but nothing too crazy. The views at the summit are pretty incredible, with sweeping views of the pemi wilderness and the franconia ridge. The sky was definitely smoky in the distance (probably due to the Canadian wildfires) which is sad and unfortunate, but it framed the peaks in the distance in this beautiful blue gradient. We returned to the van around 1:45 pm, making it about 5 hours for us from start to finish. We were expecting about 6 hours or so, but we took minimal breaks and tried to keep our pace strong and steady. Overall, great day in the whites and great hike! |
|
 | Name: |
Sprouty |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-08-21 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
