| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ethan Pond Trail, Thoreau Falls Trail, Wilderness Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 3, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Snagged one of the last three spots at the Ethan Pond/Arethusa Falls trailhead off 302. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, 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: |
We found the majority of the crossings to be manageable. We swapped out shoes for crocs and waded across the East Branch before reaching the Wilderness Trail |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Maintainer has been out recently on Thoreau Falls, lots of clippings to be seen. We were grateful! Also saw a maintainer (same one perhaps?) once we reached the other side of the East Branch, who was getting ready to cross. We thanked him for his dedication! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw two small dogs who were assisted by their humans to cross East Branch, otherwise only one other with its human descending Ethan Pond. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not too bad while moving |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is Day 1 of a 2 day backpack.
Started out at 8am at Ethan Pond, and already AT hikers were settled in the parking lot with some trail magic waiting for their ride. This is a small lot, so the "proper planning prevents piss poor performance" method really applies here. Ethan Pond to the shelter spur is okay, but plenty of rotting bog bridges and mud pits to fill one's desires. We felt ashamed of the conditions of the NH stretched of the AT, wishing the appropriate parties would spend more time maintaining them. Reaching the junction for Shoal Pond, we looked down quickly and wondered what would be in store for us the next day. We took a left at our next juntion for Thoreau Falls trail and decided that we would stop to snack before crossing. A group of backpacking with Boston College were also soaking up the beauty, and views of the backside of Bond and Guyot. We crossed this mindfully, as it is easier to handle in the counter clockwise direction. Within about a mile or so, we came down one of the hills to find GN coming toward us! We chatted for a short while before continuing on our separate ways, trading what information we could about the trails. The next five miles of the Thoreau Falls trail are a mix of dry, wet, super soaked and mucky conditions.
We were very happy to don our crocs and cross the East Branch...the water was so cold but it felt delightful. We had lunch while sitting on the old abutments, and watched a couple ferry theirs packs and two small pups across the river. They reported that the usual site by the long gone Wilderness suspension bridge they camp at was completely full.
Arriving at the Wilderness trail junction, we decided to stash some of our camp weight to move quickly along the section between Cedar Brook and Thoreau trails. Good choice! Half hour later we repacked all of our goodies and carried on across the remaining eastern stretch of the Wilderness trail. This trail was in fine condition, and all streams were running clear and easy to hop. Our destination for the night was Stillwater, where the Carrigain Branch and East Branch meet. It is a truly beautiful place, and we were lucky to find a spot right by the river for all three of our tents to fit. We aired and dried out gear, swam in the ice cold water, and enjoyed beverages we had toted around. GN was camping just around the corner, and joined us for a chat, and again for supper. Always nice to find familiar faces in the middle of no where! |
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 | Name: |
Nordic_gal, Danielle, bria |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-05 |
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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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