| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Lowes Path, Presidential Rail Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There was a dirt lot off Route 2 for the Castle Trailhead. My car seemed safe there overnight as I stayed up at the Perch campsite. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The first water crossing on the Castle Trail was knee high or lower and I wore crocs. Then I crossed on the Israel Ridge Path with similar conditions of knee high or lower water. The fear factor rose when I got to the next water crossing where it looks like a waterfall with huge rocks but had too much water flowing. I straddled a rock and scooted across but it felt risky so when the time came to descend, I took the Randolph and Lowes paths to avoid the water crossings. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw zero dogs on this trip. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I needed Jefferson for my 48 and it seemed like a fun idea to stay the night at the RMC Perch campsite. Israel Ridge Path in the lower valley and up through the ravine section were not fun as the trail was waterlogged and the ladders seemed slick and slimy, as did many moss covered rocks. Got to the Perch in a cloud and decided not to go to Jefferson until morning. The fog cleared overnight and the higher trails were a true delight of dryness! Jefferson was pleasant and it was hard to go back down to the trees where the trails were soggy, slick, muddy, mossy, and demanded extra care in stepping that made it take a long time. I saw a robust and healthy pine Martin on the Randolph Path. If I ever go to Jefferson again it will be on different trails. |
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 | Name: |
R Whelton |
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 | E-Mail: |
rachelwhelton@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-09-21 |
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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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