| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhacks, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 17, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rocky Branch Trailhead is a big lot with plenty of room, one car at 6:30AM around ten at 10:30am |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossing running very low and easy rock hops. Some rocks have glaze ice but plenty of rocks to choose from to hop across. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sarge had a blast, plenty of mud to play in and water to drink at the crossings. Engine Hill Bushwhack has quite a bit of moose activity, we saw a huge bull moose so keep that in mind if you travel through that area with your pooch. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Took trails and Engine Hill Bushwhack on the way in. Engine Hill whack is a mix of dry ground, frozen mud, soft mud, soggy patches. Stayed around 3250' and traveled in and out of the birch glades for about 0.8 miles before curving down to intercept the Isolation Trail.
Isolation Trail; the three water crossings were low and easy, above the last crossing the trail is a mix of frozen mud, rock, and ice. I never felt the need to put on light traction but if you do wear your old rock spikes.
Davis Path had a dusting of snow with some minor ice, easy going.
Bushwhacked down the Iso Express route, some spots it's straight forward and other spots it's not so unless you are comfortable being off trail I'd suggest sticking with Davis Path/Isolation trail. Towards the bottom I veered off of it to the south through open woods before stumbling upon Rocky Branch and crossing it and back onto Isolation Trail.
Isolation Trail and Rocky Branch Trail; the crossings were easy, no issue with the biggest one at the trail junction. Trails were a mix of dry ground, mud, ice, and water but no need for light traction.
Beautiful and warm Sunday morning spent on and off trail. Winds were only felt on the summit and they weren't bad at all. Easy sailing for mid November on Isolation. Saw some friendly and familiar faces out and about taking advantage of the sunny day! |
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 | Name: |
Sgt. Pepper AKA Professor Biscuit(S) |
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 | E-Mail: |
dailey7779@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-11-17 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.strava.com/activities/12923292480 |
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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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