| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Monroe, Mt. Franklin, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Pierce, Mt. Jackson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster-Jackson Trail, Saco Lake Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, June 13, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues. Took the shuttle from Highland to Ammonoosuc; expensive, but convenient. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many bog bridges are nearing the end of their lifetimes, particularly on the first part of Ammonoosuc and on the Elephant Head Spur. Jackson Branch has multiple user trails in a number of areas as people apparently try to find ways around the rough and rocky tread way. I have great sympathy for the maintainer as the number of hikers on the trail and the extent of the problem undoubtedly make it impossible to close these off. I wonder if the only real solution is relocation of the trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Loud buzzing insects on several summits, particularly Monroe and Eisenhower. They don’t seem to bite or sting, but are disconcerting as they buzz around you. Many seemed to hover in the lee of rock cairns; going upwind of the cairns seemed to help avoid them. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
A beautiful day for a walk along the Southern Presidentials. Ammonoosuc Ravine was wet in a number of places, but not particularly slippery on ascent. View from Franklin into Oakes Gulf and up towards Washington was particularly spectacular. Fairly wet between Pierce and Jackson and I found a patch of deep mud in the alpine meadow area. Labrador tea and Mountain laurel were in bloom in the meadows making for nice views with Washington in the distance. Jackson Branch was an unpleasant descent; it seemed like I was walking down a rocky stream bed and it took significantly longer than I anticipated due to the challenging footing. |
|
 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
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 | E-Mail: |
Jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-06-14 |
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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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