| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Potash Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, September 6, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large parking area with room for many cars. Short access road in good shape. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Downes Brook is at a seasonal low point, and was rock hoppable today. I took basically the same route both ways, but modified the return trip a bit to avoid some unsteady rocks. I needed to step on a few slightly submerged rocks, but water wasn't high enough to reach shoe tops. If you have this hike on your to do list, try to do it before the next rain. Also, a hiker at the trail head said he had hiked the entire Downes Brook Trail last week and all 10 crossings were hoppable without getting feet wet.
Several minor drainages after the brook all easy step overs. Dry today, but even if water is flowing, there should be no problems. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Well maintained trail. I couldn't see many blazes mostly due to early morning sunlight mixing with shadows, but footpath was generally easy to follow. It appears there has been recent maintenance, such as brushing and water controls cleaning, so that helps a lot. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Good trail for dogs, except possibly during high water. No water on trail after the brook crossing. |
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 | Bugs: |
None today and no repellent in use. Temp at start of hike in the 48-50 degree range. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
I had to turn around at viewpoint a half-mile from summit. A recent illness had erased my trail legs and this was my first trip out after the illness. I probably could have made the summit, but then would have had no leg strength left for the descent. I am posting this mainly for the Downes Brook info. Know your body and know your route and stay within your abilities to avoid serious consequences.
There are some moderately steep slanted exposed ledge sections between the road crossing at .8 and the viewpoint at 1.5-.6 They were dry and grippy today. Many tree roots criss-cross some of these and most of them have a narrow rooty path along one edge or the other, so you can avoid them when wet and slippery. But wet tree roots can be worse than the slabs, so another reason to do this while currently dry. |
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 | Name: |
SpartyHikerfromME |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-09-06 |
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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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