| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Osceola, East Osceola, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Mt. Osceola Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot free of mud, $5 fee unless you have America the Beautiful or other parking pass |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Drought is over! Water crossings all had running water, easily rock hopped without getting feet wet |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Multiple water bars were clogged with leaves, we cleaned out at least 10 on our way up and back down |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The notorious slabs on the switchbacks were over an inch thick and gave out Hillsounds a run for their money? So doggos may have a hard time getting grip on these sections |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Someone left a shovel at the trailhead…group hike gone bad?? |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
It was the best of hikes it was the worst of hikes…
The Osceolas were a solid Sunday pick given the predicted windy weather conditions and great visibility. The road into the trailhead was clear of all blowdowns (thank you to the forestry department!), and the trails down low were cleared for a bareboot extravaganza. We even joked with fellow hikers at the parking lot about bringing the “big guns” for ice, then chucked our Hillsounds into our packs and headed up. Snow and ice made a consistent appearance around 2500 feet, but all water crossings were still free running. As we rounded the corner and hit the first major section of slanted slabs, we regretted leaving the K-10s. The slabs held thick ice that our Hillsounds couldn’t work with at that angle, and we were reduced to maneuvering around the trees at the base for this switch back, as well as the second and third one with slabs. The summit of Osceola had mostly bare rock with small patches of ice, and the trail to East Osceola was more packed snow/ice rather than ice luges. 99% of the chimney was ice-free, and the chimney bypass was free of ice AND dry! The bypass to the bypass hadn’t seen any traffic at that time. Hubby barefooted from the chimney to East and all the way back to Osceola proper, while I used my Hillsounds after the chimney back to about 3000 feet. Beautiful views, another summit meeting with Bitches on Ridges and Steph, as well as Leon, an 84 year old bada$$ showing his grandkids how it’s DONE! With the coming sleet/snow/rain weather this week, those slabs will need more than microspikes, so be prepared!! Oh, and the O’s make 200 for my grid peaks! |
|
 | Name: |
islandgirl |
|
 | E-Mail: |
joannhall4@aol.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-11-03 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
