Mt. Carrigain - Sawyer River Road, Signal Ridge Trail - 9-28-2024

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Carrigain, NH

	Trails:	Sawyer River Road, Signal Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, September 28, 2024

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Sawyer River is closed (gated) due to a washout. The streamside steep banking of Sawyer River Road collapsed taking out a portion of the roadbed. There is orange fencing around this section. This is similar to the collapsed banking on the Lincoln Woods Trail. It appeared that everyone was able to find a parking spot on the "winter" lot just off route 302 by the gated entrance to Sawyer River Road.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	Carrigain Brook crossing was easy on rocks. Water level low.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trail in generally good condition. One small tree (2-3" dia) near beginning of trail is easy to step over. A couple of trees across the trail at a height that was easy to go under. These two trees are down low on the trail before the Carrigain Brook crossing.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Fine for dogs. Saw some dogs out today.

	Bugs:	A few flying bugs on the observation platform. They were not biting.

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	There were plenty of hikers on the Signal Ridge Trail even though the trailhead parking is inaccessible. Many of the rocks were moist and there were leaves on the trail. Nevertheless, the footing was mostly secure. I used all three of the relocated trail sections. Some hikers used the old trail avoiding the third (upper) by-pass to reduce distance and elevation gain (not a big reduction in either). All early bird and faster hikers reported that the summit and ridge were socked in. The high elevations were obscured on ascent and when I was first on the platform. Gradually the clouds dissipated and opened up great views to most of the other peaks and valleys. The clouds persisted on the Presidential Range. The observation platform is in good condition. Two couples celebrated the completion of the NH 48 4K peaks today. Another hiker approached the peak via Nancy Pond and Desolation trails. There were at least three groups of hikers camping on Carrigain tonight. I hiked a good portion of the descent with Frederique from Quebec City. Fortunately, his English was better than my French.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com

	Date Submitted:	2024-09-28

	Link:	https://
		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.