| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 4, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues with this large, paved, easily accessible parking lot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The small water crossing on Isolation East was an east rock hop. The Iso Express water crossing would have required wading, so I went the long way. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Wowza, whoever just recently cleaned the drainages and took care of some impressively large blowdowns before the wilderness sign - thank you! Amazing!! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I hiked “Ice-O” as an out-and-back from Rocky Branch. On the way out I skipped Engine Hill but used the small herd path to avoid the two water crossings. Down low, Rocky Branch has the typical buildup of dry leaves, which are surprisingly slippery and hide uneven ground. Up high, Rocky Branch is its typical tedious self with the rock hops down the wet part of the trail. Care is neede to avoid ice on some of these rocks. There is lots of unavoidable mud in between these two obstacle courses. I took a look at the Iso Express water crossing but opted against that plan, and stayed on Isolation East. Isolation East has the same tedious rock hop situation, as there is a lot of water on it, too .. and as you ascend the ice becomes more prevalent. The western end of Iso East, near the Davis Path junction, is really hard to follow. I used my Gaia track from 2020; that prior route is now a bushwhack. I couldn’t figure this out on the way back, either, so bushwhacked again. I distinctly remember a trail sign at the Iso East / Davis Path junction but couldn’t find it today.
Davis Path is muddy, in places, and icy in others. The spur trail to Isolation has ice right at the bottom but otherwise was fine.
On the way back I had had enough of the tedious rock hopping and ice so I set out along the Engine Hill bushwhack. I was able to use my prior Gaia tracks and speed along the route - Engine Hill was the most satisfying hiking of the day. I wasn’t even bothered when I came across a 30’ section of unavoidable ankle deep marshy mud close to the junction with Rocky Branch. I was on much worse (official!) trail in June and July!!
My rock spikes went for a ride, today, though I did consider pulling them out a few times. |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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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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