| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Mt. Monroe, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Pierce, Mt. Jackson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Brookside, Watson Path, Osgood Trail, Airline, Gulfside, Lowe's Path, Jefferson Loop, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster Jackson Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 2, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia had a couple open spots at 5am |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues crossing water |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Overall pretty good. More signage to stay on the trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Two owners had full control of their dog (one of them leashed) out of the 5-6 that was seen. One dog was aggressively barking and lunging at me. |
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 | Bugs: |
No bugs |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Somewhere south of Eisenhower there was a blue shirt hanging on a tree. Found an empty Welches fruit snack bag on Brookside. |
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 | Comments: |
I dropped the bicycle off at the Webster/Jackson trailhead. When I was stashing it behind a bush, I slipped into a ditch that had knee-deep water. I wrung out my socks then drove over to Appalachia. Start time was 5:10 I wanted to stay on Valley Way but ended up on Brookside, the signage was confusing. Brookside was beautiful and there was one hiker that I saw. The hike up Madison was quick, taking 2 hours. From there, people were everywhere. I usually avoid the presi and popular areas or get in and out early. But they couldn't be avoided. It was overwhelming. Otherwise the hiking was great and way easier with clearer air and cool temps compared to last weekend. I summited Washington just before 12pm. Ate a turkey sandwich while people watching.
There was a second trail I didn't mean to take for Monroe(?) that was a blue blaze but it got the job done.
The southern Presi is really nice and quiet. Far fewer people. The mud at this end was minor but people are hiking in thin running shoes making it worse than it is. Saw a guy in socks and sandals. Full sun all day at this point. The distance between the southern summits makes the hiking feel endless. The trail is "smoother" and eventually there's shade. Quiet and uneventful exit.
I was off trail at 4:30pm. I definitely think the amount of people took a lot of time out of the hike. I had wanted to be back at the car for 5:10pm but once realized I wasn't going to ride 18 miles in 45 minutes, I bought an ice cream sandwich at the depot ($3) and got reorganized. At this point I was also considering taking the 27 miles back to the car along 302, 115 etc. Because I didn't know what condition Mt Clinton Rd was in and Google showed a HUGE spike in elevation gain. I rode over there first and I was glad I did! Another bike rider, who was on of the trail runners I had seen on the traverse was getting ready to ride back to Appalachia too!
This is John "do you want a picture?". He let me tag along and kept me motivated by constantly lying to me about how close we were to the top. The elevation gain as it turns out is a 1000 ft. The road peaks at 3000ft elevation. Turn after it just goes up and up. And he does this ride often, for FUN. Like wtf. At the top he seriously asked if I wanted a picture at the sign denoting the elevation. No I said, thinking, "I'm not proud of this!" The guy as it turns out is a sadist. This was by far the hardest thing I did all day. Then there was the descent.
John's bike had knobby tires and shocks because he had learned from experience that those things allow him to keep control of the bike on the downhill. I had no such things. In an attempt to keep up with him, I let loose. On the first turn my bike began sliding out from under me. To keep upright I had to steer straight, through the turn, toward the trees. Somehow I kept control and did not wipe out. John was out of sight. Next were the ruts. The descent is so steep that in seconds you're at terminal velocity. The ruts shook me like a paint can. Wtf is wrong with this guy! From there I rode my mushy brakes, white knuckle, all the way to the bottom where John was having a great time, "how about that first turn?".
We did have a nice chill ride on the bike path back to Appalachia, arriving at 6:30pm. I would not have gone up that hill in one go and would have cried all the way if it weren't for John. Next time though I'll try the 27 mile road ride. |
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 | Name: |
Little Brother |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-08-03 |
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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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