| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Skatutakee Mountain, Thumb Mountain, Jacks Pond, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Harriskat Trail, Thumbs Up Trail, Thumbs Down Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, July 4, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large lot on the Center's property. Smaller lot across the street. Possibly the nicest portapotty ever seen in the lot! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A few tiny ones, some dry beds. I did notice a few bog boards and stepping stones, time of year will influence your experience. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Excellent. Great signage by the Harris Center. Thank you |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
1. Harris Center requires all to be leashed. 2. Bring water! |
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 | Bugs: |
Some skeeters. A lovely blue butterfly. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A big thank you to Rachel and Isis. Rachel has featured this loop on her YouTube channel a few times. Looked like a great place for a day where I had to get up early the next. After leaving the lot, we started clockwise. Do not miss the wood carvings in the first few minutes. Trail ascends gradually, ended at Skatutakee. Growing trees are diminishing the view, but it is still nice. Don't let the name fool you, Thumbs up Trail actually descends a little. Goes through a lovely mixed woods with nice foot bed. A short steep climb brings you to the scenic ledges of Mt. Thumb, great view of Monadnock. Descent was good as well (Thumbs Down). I mentioned Jack's Pond along with the peaks because of its beauty and historical significance. It is a worthwhile destination in its own right. Plan on returning to the Harris Center to explore more.
The pond is part of the Granite State Black Heritage. Jack was kidnapped in the early 18th century, brought to what would eventually become the US, and was enslaved. No one is sure how he obtained his freedom or ended up in NH, but a local family helped him, hired him, and eventually bought a portion of land for him to farm. He lived nearly 100 years. Look it up if you are interested.
Also, I recommend watching Rachel's videos to get an idea how this lovely place varies through out the year (no snowshoes on the 4th of July!). |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-07-05 |
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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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