| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Dry River Trail, Isolation Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Usual road side parking at the trailhead. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Only minor unbridged crossings left; they were easy as water levels are low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Isolation (West) was in good shape, recently brushed, waterbars cleared and any blocking blowdowns gone. Down low where Irene/Halloween storms caused damage isn't a significant problem. More on this in the comments. Dry River was its usual mix of easy flats and many up and down relocations of different ages and a newly expanded tricky washout that will need a relo at some point. It was pretty easy to follow although coming back I shot past the last new relo that has ribbons following what I think was the old route a bit too far. Others have done that and so I followed them up and hit the only mud of the day; I should have just gone back a bit to the new relo. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Easy trails, shaded and quiet, usually with nearby water, but a bit dry on the upper Isolation so bring water for them. |
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 | Bugs: |
A few annoying skeeters at the end. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The main reason for the report was to thank those who have done trailwork on Isolation West. I remember when it was a mess to be avoided, with blowdown and brushy sections making it quite a chore to follow. Then came Irene and its washouts. It's now way more enjoyable to hike than a lot of typical 4Ks, especially Isolation East. The Irene/Halloween storm damage can still be seen down low, but they aren't a big problem. The few bog bridges still work, there are no mud pits, and no running water in the trail, what a contrast with Isolation East. There is a nice corridor and lots of nice footing. Nice job TMs. I'm not too worried it will get too much use; it has the Dry River trail to "protect" it.
Dry River is its usual bipolar self, although many of the nice flat sections have over the years been washed out and relocated. I expect most tourist and 4K hikers will be perplexed and cussing at times, especially if they didn't budget extra time. Experienced trail liners will be fine. Most relos aren't a big deal, especially on the hike out. But for out and backs, on the return the relo downstream of the bridge can make it seem like one is hiking uphill more than down; at the end of long day it's still a cusser. The trail is mostly easy enough to follow now (where I was), free of blocking obstructions and rarely muddy at least in this dry season. The one big washout area route has just a herd path of sorts and it remains tricky to cross due to potential loose rocks on a steep slope, but they held this day. I didn't check most relos out but I suspect several of Irene's could be avoided by using the old routes and going out into the river where the trail used to go using ledge and boulders to connect as was done right after Irene when water levels were low like they were this day. We met one backpacker who was planning on camping at the nice signed campsite just up from the Mt. Clinton trail junction. It's always nice to find quiet trails away from the mobs on the typical 4K routes. |
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 | Name: |
Plus One |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-07-23 |
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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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