| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
East Osceola - Mt Osceola, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Greeley Ponds Trail : Mt Osceola Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The small paved lot just off the Kancamagus Highway is a bit bumpy. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The two crossings of the South Fork of the Hancock Branch on the Greeley Ponds Trail were easy on rocks. No icing on the wet rocks due to the warm temperatures. All other crossings were minor. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Two birches across the Mt Osceola Trail beneath the East Osceola Cliffs are easy to straddle/step over. One small tree arching about 6' above the Mt Osceola Trail in the same general area.
Some of the bog bridges on the Greeley Ponds Trail are worn or broken, although most are in good condition. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The Mt Osceola Trail up to East Osceola is rough and steep and the chimney between the two peaks is nearly vertical but can be avoided via a steep bypass. Many dogs will be fine with this terrain, but some may balk under these conditions. |
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 | Bugs: |
Saw a few flying bugs. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Most of the surfaces are dry. No ice or snow with the warm temperatures. Some of the rock surfaces were moist but were safe with careful foot placement. Often, there are roots and trees to use as handholds and toe and footholds on the ledges. The steep rocky sections can be challenging when icy (not today).
The Greeley Ponds Trail and the lower 3/4 mile of the Mt Osceola Trail are easy hiking. Thereafter, the trail becomes rough and steep with no breaks until reaching the shoulder where a short side path leads to a great west view. From this point to East Osceola the trail is not difficult. The hiking between the two summits is not strenuous except for the chimney. I ascended via the chimney and descended using the by-pass route. There is a good outlook to the side of the trail on the west side of East Osceola. Expansive views from the large open ledge near the Mt Osceola summit.
Most hikers used the Tripoli Road approach. I only met one couple who came up from the Greeley Ponds direction. Good to meet Dee and Hiker Ed. Also met Tucker W. and his crew from Plymouth, MA. A young woman was knitting on the Mt Osceola ledge. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek1@charter.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-11-04 |
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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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