| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jim, Mt. Moosilauke (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Asquam Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 10, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
as others have stated Ravine Road is open |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
seems like the bridges over the west branch of the baker river have very recently been updated which was great. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
tons of trees down, I didn't count but it must have been well north of 100 for the chunk of trail that I did. I'll explain more below. |
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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: |
Thought I'd mix it up a bit today and do Moosilauke via the Asquam Ridge Trail. Turns out that was a poor idea. Lower chunk of the trail was in surprisingly great shape considering the season. Seems like there has been recent work on the trail, it is almost completely clear of trees and the two bridges seem very new. However once you cross the second bridge things start to deteriorate. Up until Al Merrill Loop trail splits off it's not too bad, just water on the trail and some trees to climb over/ go around. However past that point is when the fun begins. Water flowing fairly consistently on the trail for at least the next mile was the least of my problems. There were trees down left and right. Many you can get over or around without going too far off the trail. Some as you get further up require a decent amount of bushwhacking around. Like I say above it has to be well over 100 trees down, you can't go more than a couple hundred feet without dealing with a tree or multiple. This trail is in bad shape. You'll start to see patches of snow around 2600ft elevation although interestingly it really doesn't get onto the trail much until closer to 3900ft.
I made it to the summit of Jim and then .2 miles past that where the snow was too deep and soft and I hate post holing and decided to turn around. (this was just under 4 miles from the car) Seems like the snow got much more consistent past this point. On my way down I cleared probably 40 branches and trees off the trail but you can only do so much as one person without a saw. Still tons of trees left. If you like pain and suffering this is a great hike for you otherwise I'd stick to the Gorge Brook trail up Moosilauke which I understand is in much better condition. |
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 | Name: |
Marshall |
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 | E-Mail: |
politic.tinkles_0e@icloud.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-05-10 |
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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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