| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Castle Ravine Trail, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 28, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The parking lot was nearly empty. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
It was nearly impossible to cross Israel River (0.3 miles from the trailhead) without wading - only one member of my group of 7 managed to do it. There were also two challenging stream crossings on Israel Ridge Path and many (5 or 6?) on Castle Ravine Trail - all these were doable with skill and hiking poles, but they were not at all easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There is a misleading sign at the (upper, I think) junction of Israel Ridge Path and Randolph Path, pointing down Israel Ridge Path, saying
"Israel Ridge Path
Bowman 2.9 miles".
but 2.9 miles is only the distance to the base of Israel Ridge Path - the actual distance to Bowman, which includes the bottom 1.3 miles of the Castle Trail, is 4.2 miles. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I would not bring a dog on trails such as Castle Ravine Trail or onto the trails above treeline (the rocks are rough). |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This route was even more difficult than usual today, because of the difficult stream crossings, and because of strong winds blowing rain and clouds into us horizontally (around 60 mph on the rough part of Randolph Path just below Edmands Col, with even higher gusts, according to National Weather Service). The summit itself was windy too, but maybe only 30 mph when we were there. No ice or snow on the ground, though there seemed to be a little sleet mixed in with the blowing rain. |
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 | Name: |
mathbp |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-28 |
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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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