| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, Galehead Mountain, South Twin Mountain, North Twin Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, Gale River Trail, Gale River Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 11, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Gale River Loop Road was still open as of 11/11 |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Most crossings were fine - just watch out for ice on the rocks or you might end up in a river (don't ask me how I know this) |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None :) |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Bare-booted it until the summit of Garfield, then put spikes on for the descent and kept them on until around 2600 ft heading down the Gale River Trail on the way out. Definitely did some grinding of metal on rock as a result, but that's how it goes this time of year. Garfield Trail was decently traveled, but it seemed like no one had been on the section of trail heading from Garfield to Galehead Hut since the most recent snow dusting. The Garfield waterfall was a mix of icy rocks and bare but wet rocks, so I opted to keep the spikes on. Watch out for icy patches near bog logs, as the ice was pretty thin and I ended up with a mud-covered boot a few times as a result. The steep 0.8 up to South Twin actually wasn't as treacherous I expected. Snow coverage between the Twins was very good, though the trail is rather overgrown in some places, especially near South Twin - definitely a car wash situation. Hike out was fine until I forgot that ice exists and stepped squarely onto an extremely slippery rock on the second to last river crossing on Gale River Trail. Luckily only ended up with wet feet and shins, but this is your reminder to be extra cautious on crossings this time of year and pack extra clothes just in case :) |
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 | Name: |
Ibex |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-13 |
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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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