| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Passaconaway, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Oliverian Brook Trail, Passaconaway Cut-Off, Square Ledge Trail, Walden Trail, Dicey's Mill Trail, East Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Only two vehicles in the large lot at the end of an access road from the Kancamagus Highway (route 112). Not a fee lot. No facilities. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The west branch of the Oliverian Brook Trail on the Passaconaway Cut-Off Trail lacks a string of large rocks to cross on. I used some of the small rocks that were submerged in water to cross. A smaller crossing just beyond the west branch also lacks rocks but can be crossed with a jump. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trails are in good condition. Mike the WODC trail maintainer was clearing all the water bars on the Square Ledge Trail as well as cutting some tree falls. He maintains all 50 miles of the WODC trail network along with some other WODC members. I find the WODC trails in good condition. In the past, Mike has responded to reported obstructions on the WODC trails.
The most problematic tree fall was an evergreen about 4 or so feet above the surface on the Passaconaway Cut-Off. Even this tree was not difficult to get by.
A bridge has been disassembled on the Oliverian Brook Trail near the beaver pond just beyond the junction with the X-Country ski trail. The pieces of the bridge are piled by the trail. Currently the pathway is on dry ground. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I hiked Mt Passaconaway from Ferncroft in February, so I decided to approach the mountain from the north. This route also used the mountain mass to block today's SW wind until at the top of the Square Ledge Trail.
There were wet/muddy spots in the usual places on all the trails, but I've seen much more muck in the past.
There are some loose rocks buried under the leaf litter. I did not find the leaves to be slippery.
Some of the ledges were wet. The wetness may freeze if the temperatures cool in the coming days.
If you plan to hike the loop up and around the summit, I recommend ascending via the rough and steep Walden Trail and descending on the relatively easier Dicey's Mill Trail. The East Loop Trail is used to get back to the Walden Trail.
There are four good viewpoints around the summit of Mt Passaconaway. The summit is viewless. The south and east viewpoints are ledges to the side of the Walden Trail. The spectacular north viewpoint is at the end of a .3 mile spur down 200 foot elevation (small "to view" sign on tree). The west viewpoint is to the side of the Dicey's Mill Trail.
During the Stick Season there are good views up to Mt Passaconaway on the Passaconaway Cut-Off Trail.
Nice to meet Rick B and friends on Mt Passaconaway. Also chatted with Mike with the WODC. Met a woman from Chelmsford MA who hiked the Tripyramids, Whiteface, and Passaconaway today. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-10-23 |
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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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