| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Flat Mountain, Mt. Whiteface, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Guinea Pond Trail, Flat Mountain Pond Trail, bushwhack, Kate Sleeper Trail, Rollins Trail, McCrillis Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked near trailhead off Sandwich Notch road coming from Waterville, it’s a remote and bumpy mountain road. 4wd recommended for hills but ground clearance shouldn’t be an issue for cars. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All were easy except one beaver swamp crossing on Guinea Pond trail, it was hard to find the trail across and I got one wet shoe. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
None |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
There is an old toilet site composting at the shelter, could be an issue with dogs. Signs saying bio-hazard warning. |
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 | Bugs: |
No issues. Lots of dragonflies on the pond. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Saw a blue NE111 flag or patch on a stump near Whiteface summit. |
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 | Comments: |
I had a great overnight trip to Flat Mtn Pond. I bushwhacked Halls Pond Mtn and Flat Mtn South on Monday afternoon, two quick and easy whacks with a bumpy drive and a nice 8 mile stroll in between. No canisters found on these two. I watched a nice sunset on the pond with the beavers and relaxed to the sound of the stream next to the shelter. Tuesday morning I set off up Flat Mtn North to the canister. Found good woods and ledgy views, returned exactly the same way. Then from the North end of the ponds, I aimed my compass for Whiteface’s West spur and set off into open woods, following what seemed to be the same old railroad grade. Lots of artifacts like shovels, saws, stoves, water piping way out here. From West spur to Sleeper trail was slow going, very wet and full of thick stuff and blowdowns, really the only bad part. Saw one person on the summit, the only one on the whole trip. Then I had a bear encounter on McCrillis trail, quite a thrill with lots of vocalizing, huffing and crying. Maybe there were two but I didn’t wait around. A long walk back to the truck but it was a beautiful day for it. 30 miles and 30 hours approximately for the trip. |
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 | Name: |
Carl Gifford |
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 | E-Mail: |
calxjohnson@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-09-11 |
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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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