| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Skookumchuck Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail, bike path, road walk |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, October 19, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There is a barricade at the route 3 / route 141 junction across the southbound lane. To access the Skookumchuck trailhead go south in the northbound lane around the barricade. Another barricade is across both lanes of route 3 just south of the parking area. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings. The small brooks were easy to cross. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition.
A birch has fallen into the Skookumchuck Trail uphill from the sign about logging activity. Hikers are walking off trail to get around this tree with its many branches blocking the path. All other tree falls were easy to get by.
The Greenleaf Trail has trees across the trail at 5.5' or higher above the surface at 3400' to 3600' elevation.
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|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a couple of German Shepherd dogs today. Dogs may require assistance on icy ledges. |
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 | Bugs: |
Saw some bugs. Not a nuisance. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
Noticed traces of snow off trail at about 3000' elevation but did not encounter snow on the Skookumchuck Trail until ~3500' elevation. The soft snow and ice cover was thin and most often did not cover all surfaces. I was able to hike without donning the spikes by careful foot placement. I did slip on some black ice on a rock on the Greenleaf Trail but managed to stay upright and under control. Even above tree line, there was some snow/ice on the north slopes and in the shade. I would advise carrying traction just in case you need them.
There were a lot of leaves low down on the Skookumchuck Trail that required checking for blue blazes on trees to keep to the path.
The Franconia Notch Recreation Trail (bike path) is easy. I did detour off the bike path at the north end of Echo Lake and used route 18 and the access road to Lafayette Brook scenic area to avoid the dip in the bike trail.
The visibility was great today. The long stretch of the Green Mountains was clearly seen today. Also, great views of the other White Mountains.
Lots of hikers out today. Max from Cambridge, MA was starting a multi-day Pemi Loop from the Skookumchuck Trail. Met a young couple from France on the cone of Mt Lafayette. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek1@charter.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-19 |
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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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