| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Kinsman Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Reel Brook Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, August 4, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The entry to the parking area is rocky and I managed to get in with a Chevy Volt, but had to be careful. There is another spot before the turnoff that is more even. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No problem |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
At least one significant blow down of several trees in one spot |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I would not take a dog up South Kinsman from this side. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not bad, but a container of Ben’s emptied into my pocket so I may have had extra protection. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
I saw a hiking pole and a hat on the trail that someone had left. |
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 | Comments: |
The Reel Brook Trail is pretty easy, with a nice stretch along some falls. From Reel Brook to Eliza Brook Shelter is mostly along a ridge with a view when you cross the power lines. Eliza Brook Shelter is really nice, with a new shelter and a bear box, plenty of tent sites, and a brook right next to it. From the shelter north the first mile or so takes you next to the brook, with some nice cascades and pools. The trail climbs steadily but not too steeply, The trail then crosses the brook and begins to climb more steeply to a bog or pond. From there the trail climbs steeply up to the ridge, getting harder and harder as you climb. I think this may be the hardest section of the AT in New Hampshire, with a lot of sections where you are climbing with hands. There was at least one spot where I was less than confident in my available hand holds and a fall would have been disastrous. The trail flattens out when you get to the ridge and there are nice views from the top. There are two lumps on the summit and different maps seem to disagree over which is the official one. The northern one is overgrown, but the southern one has a nice open area with views in all directions. |
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 | Name: |
Tim belcher |
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 | E-Mail: |
tim.belcher1@mac.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-08-06 |
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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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