| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Israel, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Flat Mountain Pond Trail, Guinea Pond Trail, Guinea Pond Spur, Mead Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked in the big lot at the end of Bennett St. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The brooks are low, but beaver activity makes it a challenge to stay dry on Guinea Pond Trail and Guinea Pond Spur. The spur was completely under water at about the halfway point. I managed to cross by following a herd path just west of the trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Guinea Pond Trail has a few blowdowns and is overgrown in places. Guinea Pond Spur is returning to nature. As mentioned in Water Crossing Notes, it's under water in one spot. It's also very overgrown. I wonder if it's about to be officially abandoned. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This was an out-and-back route -- the long way to Mt. Israel -- with a short side trip to Guinea Pond. I measured 10.8 miles with only 1700 feet of elevation gain. The 2.4 mile stretch of Guinea Pond Trail is almost flat (looks like an old railroad bed).
Mt. Israel has the finest view of the Sandwich Range. You can see all the peaks from Sandwich Dome to Mt. Chocorua. When you get to the summit, be sure to follow the herd path slightly downhill to the eastern ledges. That's where the unobstructed views are.
I missed the Guinea Pond Spur on the way to Mt. Israel, so I visited Guinea Pond on the way back. Don't be deterred by the conditions on the spur. The view of Sandwich Dome from Guinea Pond is worth the trip. |
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 | Name: |
Duct Tape |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-09-22 |
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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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