| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Thoreau Falls, Shoal Pond, Stillwater Junction, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Wilderness Trail, Thoreau Falls Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Shoal Pond Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 3, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Day 2 of a 3-day backpacking trip. No cars involved. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of Crystal Brook on Wilderness Trail could maybe be rock-hopped by someone with a good sense of balance, but I was alone and not too confident about the grippiness of the rocks, so I put my waders on for it. The big crossing of the East Branch on Thoreau Falls Trail, where the bridge used to be, was doable with waders, and the water never went over the tops of my knees (I'm 5'5"). The crossing of the North Fork just above Thoreau Falls was actually, IMO, more dangerous than the crossing of the East Branch, since it's at the brink of the waterfall, and one slip and you could go over. The rocks in that area are very slippery as well. There's a straightforward way that most people would use, and I may have used it as well if there were other people around, but I found a way across a little bit further up (further from the brink of the waterfall). All of the crossings on Shoal Pond Trail were rock-hoppable if you were careful. The crossing of the East Branch at Stillwater Junction is shallow, but the rocks are small and not very sturdy, so I put my waders on and with them it was easy. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Wilderness Trail and Thoreau Falls Trail had their share of blowdowns and muddy areas, but they weren't overwhelming. Even the short section of Ethan Pond Trail I took had a few mudpits. Shoal Pond Trail, however, was another story entirely. The northern two-thirds of the trail, north of the second crossing of Shoal Pond Brook, is an absolute mess. Practically the entire thing is just one huge mudpit, with deteriorating bog bridges and protruding spikes in places. The southern part is somewhat drier but still absolutely littered with blowdowns - in places you could see a dozen blowdowns in front of you and a dozen behind you. Signs are all in place, though there was evidence of people disobeying the prohibition on camping within 1/4 mile of Thoreau Falls. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
They'd probably need to be carried across the East Branch when Thoreau Falls Trail crosses it. And they're going to get very wet and muddy. But aside from that, I guess. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not too bad, but same as day 1, they were out the most when I was stopping to eat. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
This was Day 2 of a 3-day backpacking trip in the eastern Pemi Wilderness (day 1 is here: https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/viewreport.php?entryid=68203). I camped along Wilderness Trail at the crossing of the Carrigain Branch, 0.2 miles from Stillwater Junction. From there, I did the loop around Thoreau Falls and Shoal Pond trails in a clockwise direction. Wilderness Trail was in the same condition as the previous day. Thoreau Falls Trail was long, but not really too bad - the big crossing of the East Branch was doable with waders, the next section on the railroad grade was flat and easy, and the footpath sections weren't too bad. Sure, there were some mudpits and some ups and downs, but they weren't overwhelming. I was maybe a mile from the junction with Ethan Pond Trail when I heard voices coming toward me - turned out it was Nordic Gal, Bria, and Danielle! They too were out redlining trails in the eastern Pemi. It's amazing what a small world it is out there on trails that are rarely used by anyone other than redliners.
After crossing the North Fork just above Thoreau Falls (an experience I don't wish to relive by chronicling it in detail), I took a nice long break to enjoy the view from the top of the falls and to try to dry off my socks a bit (it was a mostly sunny day). I succeeded temporarily, but they quickly got wet again as soon as I started down Shoal Pond Trail. Shoal Pond Trail is in terrible condition, with almost constant mudpits, standing water, deteriorating bog bridges with protruding spikes, and endless blowdowns. It is significantly rougher than Thoreau Falls Trail due to the water and mud. Patience and waterproof boots are both required when hiking Shoal Pond Trail to avoid going insane. Interestingly, there were several sets of well-made rock steps along the trail, so it does seem to be being (ever so slightly) maintained, but obviously a HUGE amount of work is needed for it to become an actually pleasant trail. The old dam that used to bring Shoal Pond Trail across the East Branch at Stillwater Junction is almost completely gone - the crossing is basically just a shallow wade now.
A quick reminder to make sure your toenails are clipped before hiking these trails. Mine got black and blue (and very painful) from the conditions on Shoal Pond Trail. Water in the brooks is nice and cold. Chatted with Nordic Gal, Bria, and Danielle after the hike, since they camped nearby. Long, sweaty, wet, but nicely productive day. Another very peaceful evening in the wilderness. |
|
 | Name: |
GN |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ghnaigles@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-04 |
|
 | 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. |
|
