| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Dry River Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, June 15, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked alongside Rt. 302 at Dry River Trail trailhead with no issues. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Suspension bridge on Dry River Trail handled the major river crossing, all other crossings where easily navigated. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
On Dry River Trail there were many places where the trail had washed away and a bushwhack was required. One very large slide mid-way between Isolation Trail junction and Rt. 302 required either a treacherous cross across the slide on steep, loose dirt/sand, or a long bushwhack up a very steep and thickly vegetated uphill. On the way out we tried to go up and around and it took a lot of time and energy. On the way back we went across and it was faster, but probably more dangerous and likely to cause more erosion.
Isolation Trail (East) was covered in blowdowns. We often lost the trail because a tree had fallen along the trail, obscuring it. Other blowdowns we difficult to pass. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Not a dog owner, but I would be hesitant based on the terrain and the likelihood of falling down a slide. |
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 | Bugs: |
BAD mosquitoes at the trail head that cleared up by the bridge. Some annoying flying insects in the evening. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Definitely one of the more difficult trail experiences in 20+ years of hiking in the White Mountains. The erosion along Dry River causes many reroutes (when I say this, I mean Do It Yourself reroutes - there is often not a clear route to take). Luckily if you stay by the river I don't think getting lost is a problem. I didn't encounter this in reading, but there are no blazes (only some cairns in places), which adds to the difficulty. Be prepared to go more slowly than typical because of the obstacles.
I am not sure if these trails are actively maintained, as it seems many of the blowdowns could have been cleaned up without too much effort - maybe bring a hatchet or saw (or machete) to aid yourself and future hikers.
Overall an enjoyable hike, but the state of the trail was a little overwhelming when compared to most of the other hiking I have done. |
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 | Name: |
Butterstick |
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 | E-Mail: |
mbuttrick@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-06-17 |
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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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