| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lions Head Trail, Alpine Garden Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
AMC Pinkham Notch lot still had 3 slots when we arrived. No one in overflow lot South, but at least 5 vehicles in overflow when we later departed. Very busy for a weekday. But it is summer and generally good weather was forecasted. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing to write home about. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails generally in good condition. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None sighted. :-( |
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 | Bugs: |
A few. None seemed to be biting. Vast majority were hoverflies whom were only interested in human salt licks. :-) |
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 | Lost and Found: |
A dead sock and what appeared to be a cloth diaper (ick) handing on a sappling at Tucks/ summer Lions head trail junction. |
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 | Comments: |
Plan was to ascend Tucks headwall and skirt over to Alpine Garden to see whatever wildflowers were still blooming, then double back to Lionshead to descend. Opted instead to ascend & descend Lions head, given how wet Tucks headwall was that day.
As we were going up Lions head summer route, stopped at Winter Lions head winter junction, my companion spotted an ermine, scurrying up trail, carrying a dead rodent dodging in and out of the trail side rocks. S/he quickly disappeared up trail before I had any chance to snap a photo. First time we had seen one in the wild! Neat!
We later saw a mamma bear and 3 cubs milling around to the North of the Lions head trail and West of Alpine garden. They were a good 1/2 mile above us as we walked across Alpine Garden trail. Thanks to the woman from Quebec who earlier pointed out the bruins as we ascended Lions head's prow.
It never rained upon us, we started in 50's f Temps at the base and felt like we were in low 60's on Alpine Garden. Summits mostly in clear w/ low cloud deck above. Light winds where we were.
Met a young couple on way down who exclaimed that they had bailed at Huntington Ravine and now were heading up Lions head. Seemed maybe a touch late in day for a continued ascent to summit, but got the sense this was a regular thing for them. Maybe local trail runners.
Great day on the mtn taking in wildlife, seeing a few remaining wildflower blooms, and noticing some of the Geology: rocks & minerals beneath our toes and block fields that adorn big W's rockpile. |
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 | Name: |
Mike D |
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 | E-Mail: |
fourseasonhiker-@-gmail-com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-08-07 |
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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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