| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Castle Trail, Israel Ridge Trail, Castle Ravine, Randolph Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 14, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking at Bowman was half full upon arrival, same at the end |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Too many to remember on Castle Ravine, the water level was low. All crossings but one could be done with judicious foot placement on dry or barely submerged rocks. Only one required acrobatic movements that would have generated laughter, thankfully, not a soul was met on that trail. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are in great shape, I don't remember any step over / duck under |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Copper had a blast. These trails are not suited for inexperienced dogs, the headwall is steep with many difficult passages. Copper wears a harness for lifting by hand or using a rope. |
|
 | Bugs: |
none |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
nothing |
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|
 | Comments: |
Anticipating a crowd today, I elected to do a loop over Mt Jefferson via a much less travel set of trails, going up Castle Ravine and down Castle Ridge. This was a perfect selection also because of low water levels right now (I would not consider this loop in the spring or after multiple rainy days). The early part of Castle Ravine trail are easy grades, going back and forth across Castle brook. Once you are at the junction with The Link west, you start the climb in earnest, reaching the Roof Rock and then the headwall above tree line. It takes care to navigate this part, looking for the next cairn and after more than 1000' elevation gain, you reach multiple junctions at Edmands Col. where the crowd becomes apparent. We continued climbing until the summit of Mt Jefferson, with 50+ people and a large flag flying on it. After a quick lunch, We descended Castle trail, on the ridge, with very few people (we met a handful of hikers and one group of 5-6 that were planning to get back to Cap Ridge trail via the Link). Again, this trail demands care to be followed, and foot placement is very important on the jagged rocks. Once you reach the Castles, some sections are difficult with very steep and awkward boulders. Once you reach the junction with The Link, it is smooth sailing. This trail is beautiful, especially as you pass Mt Bowman. The views as you descend on the ridge are spectacular (we are starting to see colors). |
|
 | Name: |
Jean-Marc Lapierre |
|
 | E-Mail: |
jmlapierre123@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-09-15 |
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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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