| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhack, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, October 18, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at Rocky Branch trailhead (north) |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water levels were down. Only had to cross Rocky Branch once, the last crossing |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some stepovers and duck unders. Bog bridges have rotted away leaving some spikes sticking up a few inches. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Having done this before many years ago I knew it would be wet. Well, it was a lot wetter than that. Long sections of the trail from the top of Engine Hill down as well as the Isolation Trail beyond the last crossing are brooks or in standing water requiring rock hopping. Herd path/bushwhacks can be used to avoid the first 4 crossings. The fifth crossing was easy. The first herd path off the Rocky Branch trail is well established and now has the distinction of appearing on Caltopo maps. Encountered snow at 2900 feet. A lot of slush from melting snow along with leaf litter made for challenging foot placement. The condition of the Davis Path was a little better than Isolation. Knocked away ice on the steep parts of the Isolation spur. Spikes were along for the ride. First timers should be aware that the first open area with a cairn is not the official summit. If you look to the south, you will see a larger cairn a short distance away. Next to it is a USGS marker denoting the official summit. The spectacular view on the windless summit made the trip well worth it. Wore winter high boots and gaiters which worked well particularly for the wet areas. Round trip distance measured at 13.3 miles, 3278 elevation gain. Saco basin discharge flow rate for the time of the last and only crossing was 84 ft3/s. |
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 | Name: |
Dexhiker |
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 | E-Mail: |
dexpcdoc@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-10-19 |
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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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