| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf, Bear Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Elwell Trail, Rest Area Loop, Bear Mountain Road (old Alexandria-Hebron Turnpike), Bear Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at the Elwell trailhead off West Shore Rd. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Honestly, my brain was too fried from the heat but I do recall scattered blowdowns along this route. The largest was on Bear Mountain Trail just above the stream crossing. It's a tangle of two large trees that is going to require a chainsaw and some hard work to remove. Some of the blazes on the lower part of Bear Mtn. Trail are pretty faded. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Mosquitoes were pretty spectacular (not in a good way) down low. The only place black flies were an issue was along the Bear Mtn. ridge. I wore long clothing and a head net. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I found a green plastic canteen on Bear Mtn. Trail. |
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 | Comments: |
Another beautiful walk along the Elwell Trail today but geez the heat and humidity made this trip more difficult than it usually is. For those of us with even slight asthma, breathing was more of a challenge.
All of these trails were dry except for Bear Mtn. Trail which has mud in the usual spots down low. Lots of trillium are out along the Bear Mtn. ridge, and some lady slippers are also appearing.
The toughest parts today, due to the air quality, were the very steep climb up to Bear (I opted to ascend Bear Mtn. Trail and descend Elwell Trail) and reclimbing Sugarloaf on the way back; that sucker is steep on both sides.
The former view of Newfound Lake at the summit of Bear is pretty overgrown now, but there are still other nice outlooks along the ridge. Views were hazy today due to the humidity. There was a nice undercast over Newfound Lake when I passed over Little Sugarloaf early in the morning. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-05-21 |
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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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