| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Owl's Head, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Franconia Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, herd paths, Franconia Falls Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, September 4, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at Lincoln Woods lot on Labor Day morning with plenty of spaces there. The road was lined with cars so I presume those people all came earlier in the weekend and then thinned out the lot as they all returned one by one throughout the end of the weekend. Coming back to my car the next day there were even more spaces open. |
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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: |
Lost count of how many water crossings I encountered in the jungle. Changed into crocs for at least three of them. Two of the water crossings you could avoid with the Black Pond Bushwhack trail are significant crossings that were thrilling but took time for the shoe change and careful stepping. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Blowdowns that I could sit on the fallen tree and swing my legs back over to the trail. Franconia Brook Trail is a very wet and muddy trail but it's in the wilderness so I don't expect a lot of bog boards and such. Overall conditions were as expected and very passable. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw some fit dogs on the trails and even two dynamo terriers scrambling up the slide! |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitoes and black flies seem to have come out of nowhere for this heat wave. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I lost a baggy with my toothbrush and mini mouthwash. I feel bad that this was accidental litter! No idea where or how it came out of my pack. If anyone finds it they can toss it. I looked all along the way back but no sign of it. |
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 | Comments: |
This was my first time to Owl's Head. I carried a 24 pound pack and stupidly went up the slide with it as the temperatures went to the mid-80s plus humidity. The steepness was fun, honestly. The views amazing! But the heat crushed me and I eventually turned beet red and sat down near the top of the slide, feeling unwell. Some kind people told me to leave my pack at the big rock where you turn for the Brutus Bushwhack and they left their pack there so I would be sure to see it. I was so grateful as this was key for me making it to the summit. The Brutus trail was great, very rooty but an excellent way down. I camped near the river in a spot that had a fire ring and seemed off the trail. Next day went out via the Black Pond Bushwhack which was top tier and I would always go that way from now on. Then I went extra to the Franconia Falls trail to see the falls which were worth it and super refreshing on such a hot day. Not sure I'll ever go to Owl's Head again but I'd definitely go to the waterfall again! Overall very good adventure and learning experience. |
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 | Name: |
R Whelton |
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 | E-Mail: |
rachelwhelton@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-06 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.youtube.com/rachelwhelton |
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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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