| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Daniel Webster-Scout Trail, Osgood Trail, Osgood Cutoff, Great Gulf Trail, Great Gulf Link |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, June 1, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There's a parking area with space for 3-4 vehicles on the left side of the Dolly Copp Campground road. It is not signed in any way, but it works very well for hiker parking. Mine was the only vehicle there in both the morning and afternoon. The campground has restrooms, but strangely enough they were all locked even though there were plenty of people at the campground. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Everything was small and easy. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few on DWST and Osgood - they were somewhat annoying but no bushwhacking required to get around them. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Above treeline in the Presidentials is not a good place for dogs, since the rough talus can hurt them. Near the bottom though, I met a hiker who did a very good job of keeping control over their unruly dog - that was very much appreciated. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Plenty. Strong bug spray did a pretty good job, but was wearing off near the end. Worst when I stopped moving, and particularly bad in the vicinity of Osgood Tentsite. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Some muddy areas on the lower DWST and small sections of Osgood, but nothing horrible. Trail signs are all in place. Both trails are marked sufficiently above treeline - DWST with blue blazes and smaller cairns, and Osgood with large cairns.
DWST is a grind - a steady climb the whole way without much in the way of significant breathers. Even so, the lower half, up to the little buttress, isn't bad at all. Some sections above that are steep but not hellacious. It's only when approaching the talus field that the trail gets hellaciously steep. The climb up the talus field is very slow, but the views are good and get better the higher you climb. Navigating is not an issue - there are plenty of blue blazes on the rocks, and small cairns as well.
The descent on Osgood is very rough and rocky, and quite slow (though not as slow as DWST). It's also relentless and unrelieved - I was very glad that the rocks were dry. I redlined Osgood Cutoff while I was there - the level section alternates between good footing and rougher areas, while the descent was rockier. The climb back up was tiring but didn't go on too long. Osgood Trail's footing improves as it descends, and Great Gulf Trail is in good shape. Great Gulf Link was slightly rougher in places but still quick.
This was a tiring hike, especially since my balance isn't that great. But it was still a good day in the mountains, and despite the superb weather I saw only five other hikes the whole day. |
|
 | Name: |
GN |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ghnaigles@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-06-01 |
|
 | 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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