| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Carter Ledge, Third Sister, Middle Sister, Blue Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Carter Ledge Trail, Middle Sister Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Outside the gated White Ledge Campground along NH 16 in Albany. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Carter Ledge Trail: The lower portion up to the Nickerson Ledge Trail junction is in fine shape. Above this junction the steeps are badly eroded in places. Middle Sister Trail: Several blowdowns scattered along the route. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I wouldn't take a dog up Carter Ledge Trail. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A mental health day on Middle Sister revisiting Carter Ledge Trail, a route I hadn't done in a decade. I'd forgotten how sporty this route is!
Up to Carter Ledge, the trail was fairly dry. Above the ledge, water was running down the trail/ledges and I began to question my life choices. Careful foot placement was a must in some spots. Fortunately, the big scramble was mostly dry but there was one small section with flowing water. If this sounds uncomfortable to you, I'd give things some more time to dry out.
Super views as always along the ridge and at the summit of Middle Sister, although the overcast had moved in by then.
Middle Sister Trail had some wet and muddy areas and it's clear that it doesn't get used much. From the point where it turns off the ridge and descends, I continued ahead and did a short bushwhack of about a quarter mile to Blue Mtn. This peak is on the NH 500 Highest list. I'm not actively working on that list but since it was close by, why not. Woods were open to start but get a little more scratchy around the top. The register was easily found and is in good shape.
I'm not sure if it was just because I was tired at this point, but once off the open ridge, Middle Sister Trail seemed like a very, very long haul!
Foliage is well past peak here and the leaves are dropping quickly. Stick season will be here soon. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-25 |
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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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