| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Downes Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 4, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the Downes Brook trailhead off the Kanc. Plenty of room today. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The four crossings of Downes Brook in this section took a little care to ensure stepping on dry rocks. Personally, I always find the first crossing a little difficult even at moderate levels like it was today. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
See comments below. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Fall cleanup day on my adopted 1.4-mi. section of Downes Brook Trail from the trailhead to the Sandwich Range Wilderness boundary.
There was only one blowdown to be cleared just above the third brook crossing but this stretch of trail has about 20 drainages and they were all stuffed with leaves. I started up at the wilderness boundary, as that's where the longest drainage channels are, and worked my way down. These channels take quite some time but the short water bars down lower are quick and easy. A couple of the old wooden water bars have rotted away and I did a little reshaping with these.
At the second brook crossing I cleared off the rock steps so that they would be more visible and less slippery. I also dug out some gunk that has accumulated on the steps.
If the weather cooperates, I'd like to give the upper drainage channels another pass with a bigger rake. If not, this section of Downes Brook Trail is still in good shape for the winter.
(If someone out there is tending to the wilderness section of this trail, the blowdowns begin right after the boundary sign.) |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-04 |
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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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