| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Firescrew, Hanging Rocks, Welton Falls, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Manning Trail, Mowglis Trail, Hanging Rocks Loop, Elwell Trail, Back 80 Trail, Back 80 Loop, Old Dicey Road, Lower Manning Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 3, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Pretty wide open at 6:30 am. When I returned in the afternoon, vehicles were everywhere including the lodge lawn. Saw a couple folks parked along Shem Valley Rd., which is clearly posted against parking. Also, some people think it's ok to dump their trash next to the porta-potty. It is not. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet 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: |
No issues. The major crossings on this route were all rock hoppable. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Manning: Needs better markings above treeline; if you don't know the route it's very easy to go astray due to the openness. Mowglis: Getting a little brushy above Crag Shelter; blazing could be touched up. Hanging Rocks Loop: Now that this has been reopened as a loop, it's extra fun; corridor is not well defined in a few spots due to leaf cover. Elwell: This is part of my adopted section and is now in good shape with some recent help from Craig H.; thought blazing might happen this year but it's looking more like next year. Back 80: Seems more obscure now; lots of blowdowns scattered along the entire length; looks like the AMC Cardigan Reservation boundary has been repainted so there are now plentiful red boundary blazes mixed in with the yellow trail blazes, which need to be redone. Back 80 Loop: One large blowdown about halfway down the trail; blazes need repainting. Lower Manning: Blazing improvements needed, especially at the river crossings. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
After doing a volunteer thing for AMC, I made a loop over Firescrew and took the long way back to the lodge.
Damp conditions to start, with areas of mud and standing water. Slippery wet ledge in the woods but in the open the wind had dried things out. Chilly above treeline with the wind but noting atypical for fall.
Stopped by Crag Shelter and it is as rustic as ever; the water source isn't strong but it is flowing. Along the loop under/to Hanging Rocks, I could hear climbers over at the cliffs above Cilley's Cave.
Upon reaching Old Dicey Rd., I was a bit surprised to find some folks camping on private land. Whether they had permission to do so, I have no idea.
I was glad I continued down to Welton Falls, as it was flowing well. Forgot about the climb back up to the lodge though!
Despite the packed parking, I only saw a handful of people on trail. Foliage color is good from on high but still doesn't look quite peak yet. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-03 |
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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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