| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, March 14, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Somehow managed to cram all of our cars in the lot. Probably didn’t hurt that a lot of us blocked each other in because…well, we were all in the same group. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Took the bypass over the snowmobile bridge, but others in our group had no issue navigating the main crossing. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Lots of recent activity on Gale River Loop Road. Almost looks like it got hit with a microburst. Since it’s closed, it won’t be an issue, but will need some love come Spring. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sir Snacks-a-Lot and Miss Nina had a blast today. |
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 | Bugs: |
Definitely saw a couple mosquitoes buzzing around. Wtf. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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|
 | Comments: |
A Grid finish on Garfield today!
Barebooted the road walk and put spikes on at the trailhead. Spikes stayed on until about 3000’, when a bunch of us switched to snowshoes. Tried to pack out the trail as best we could, but it was all mashed potatoes, all day. Temp was up to 50 by 11am (according to the Nerd Meter), and many of us were lamenting not bringing/wearing more T-shirts and shorts.
Above 3000’, trail is mostly packed down. Snowshoes worked best for me, but others chose spikes or nothing at all. On the way down, it got SUPER soft. Temps easily over 60 and the sun beating on the trail did a number on it. Below 2500’ now is just hot garbage. A mix of dry trail, mud, slush, snow…just gross. Absolutely late April conditions, not typical mid-March.
No idea if this will be relevant after the storm tomorrow, but expect kitchen sink trail conditions for the foreseeable future. |
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 | Name: |
Chef |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-03-14 |
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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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