| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Path, Emerald Path, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, July 27, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The Bowman parking lot off route 2 is in good condition. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water levels were not high.
The choicest rocks for crossing the Israel River on the Castle Trail was about 20-30 feet upstream from the signed crossing. It appeared many other hikers had used this same spot to cross.
I was able to cross the Israel River on the Israel Ridge Path on carefully selected rocks (flat surfaces) without getting the boots wet. In the past, I have encountered slippery mossy rocks on this crossing. Not a problem this time.
The brook crossing above Second Cascade was not difficult as the flatter low lying rocks were above water. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in generally good condition.
There are two tree falls across the Israel Ridge Path uphill from the junction with the Emerald Trail. One is ~3" diameter evergreen about 3.5' feet above ground (a duck under). The other is an evergreen perhaps 6" diameter at ~5 feet above ground (easy crouch under).
One tree fall on Castle Trail in the level section of trail on the flanks of Mt Bowman. At about 5 feet above ground it is easy to go under.
The tree line warning sign at the junction of the Israel Ridge Path and the Randolph Path is so faded that it is unreadable.
Very short stretches of the Israel Ridge Path have small tree branches intruding into the pathway. The ground surface is still visible.
The ladders and wood stairs on the Israel Ridge Path are in excellent condition. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The steep rough section of the Castle Trail near the Castles may be a problem for some dogs. The sharp edges on the mica schist above tree line may abrade paws. |
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 | Bugs: |
A few small flying insects near the tree line. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The hike was a loop on the ridges surrounding Castle Ravine. The Israel Ridge Path is wilder and more scenic than other routes to Mt Jefferson or Mt Adams. Lots of moss in the woods. The surfaces are moist on the north facing slopes. The ledges at Second Cascade are a nice place to stop as is Emerald Bluff that is 0.1 mile from the Israel Ridge Path on the Emerald Trail. The Randolph Path has some stretches with good footing on the rocks and other sections with rough footing. There isn't much elevation change on this part of the Randolph Path. The Gulfside and Jefferson Loop trails have good footing and a lot more hikers than the less frequently hiked Israel Ridge Path. The Castle trail is a rock hop above tree line with an occasional rocking rock and ledge scrambles around the First Castle. Under Tree line the Castle Trail is a mix of steep grades and some near level hiking.
Met lots of hikers in the high terrain. Had a nice conversation with a couple from Montreal on Mt Jefferson. Met a man who bloodied a leg when a rock moved on the Cornice Trail. He said he was okay.
The Canadian wildfires made for hazy skies. Even so, I could see over to Mt Lafayette. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-07-28 |
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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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