| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Hayes, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Centennial Trail, Mahoosuc Trail, Hogan Road |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, April 14, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Hogan Road to the parking at the Centennial trailhead has some bumps and dips. The road is passable for all vehicles up to the Centennial trailhead. There is another small lot just before a road dip that is very close to the trailhead.
Hogan Road to the Mahoosuc trailhead has some rough spots (rocky), ruts, standing water, and a couple of run-off brooks across the road. Most of the road's mileage is fine. However, due to the aforementioned problem areas, the road is best driven by truck or large SUV. Smaller vehicles may be able to negotiate the road with care (I wouldn't risk driving my RAV down the road beyond the Centennial trailhead). |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings are narrow. Easy to cross. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition. I don't recall any obstructions. The trees that were across the trail last April have been removed.
There is no sign on the Mahoosuc Trail for the ledge outlook. On many trails there is a sign for a view. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs |
|
 | Bugs: |
Saw some flying insects down low. Not bothersome. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Typical spring conditions. At lower elevations there was mostly bare surfaces.
On the Centennial Trail I was able to hike without snowshoes for about 2 miles taking care on a snowy stretch before in the birch glade at a small dip in the path. I decided to wear the snowshoes before the ascent up East Hayes when there was a consistent snow cover. I estimated that the snow depth was at most 3 feet and often much less on the upper section of the Centennial Trail. The snow was somewhat sticky, but I didn't have any balling under the snowshoes. There are a couple of small steep ledges that required some care due to the slippery footing on the softening snow. Before reaching the snow line, the trail passes through a forest fire area with many charred trees.
The Mahoosuc Trail between the Centennial Trail to Hogan Road does not require snowshoes. There are lots of standing or running water on the trail. Waterproof boots are best at this time of year.
The Hogan Road walk is long but not difficult. The road walk was more interesting than I expected with many views of the Androscoggin River and views up to the mountains.
There were great views from some ledges on the Centennial Trail, East Hayes, the large ledge area just off the Mahoosuc Trail below Mt Hayes, and from the "beach" at Mascot Pond.
I saw no other hikers today.
|
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-04-14 |
|
 | 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. |
|
