| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room in the lot off route 16 at the Rocky Branch trailhead. |
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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: |
The water crossings of Rocky Branch were easy rock hops. Avoided the middle two crossings on the Isolation Trail by using the short herd path.
These crossings would be difficult when the water levels are high.
The Engine Hill bushwhacks eliminates all but the uppermost crossing of Rocky Branch. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails had no difficult obstructions. There is a 1.5' diameter evergreen leaning over the Isolation Trail above fourth crossing. It is high enough above the ground to be an easy duck under.
All bog bridges in the wilderness area are in an advanced stage of deterioration.
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
As usual, the Rocky Branch approach to Mt Isolation involves water either standing or running down portions of the trail. Fortunately, there are plenty of rocks in the path to walk on to avoid the water. There are also many muddy spots with some being watery. The mud on the Davis Path was not as bad as it is frequently. Most of the Davis Path mud was like putty.
The two worst stretches of trail for the running water is downhill from the high point on the Rocky Branch Trail and the Isolation Trail above fourth crossing.
There are two back country campsites near the Rocky Branch Trail crossing of the Rocky Branch River (signed). There is another site on the Isolation Trail above the fourth crossing of the Rocky Branch River and the Davis Path (signed).
Some Fall flowers in the wet areas; goldenrod (yellow), Asters (purple), and Touch-me-nots (orange). Some foliage color on the Hobblebush, Maples, and Birch.
A large boulder just downstream of the fourth crossing just off the Isolation Trail has an adjacent short path down to the river. If the sun is oriented correctly, the light reflected off the agitated water present a light show on the surface of the boulder that is mesmerizing.
Lots of hikers out today. Hikers from the Northeast Kingdom of VT completed the NH 48 on Isolation. Patrick from Wilton NH approached Mt Isolation from Jericho Road. Kubota from a town next to my hometown was heading to Mt Washington with her dog after summiting Mt Isolation. Two young hikers from Cape Cod were planning to camp on their way to Mt Isolation. Many hikers went up Glen Boulder or Boott Spur to get to Mt Isolation. Three guys were taking small US flags up to Mt Isolation to commemorate 9/11.
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|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.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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