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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Tom, Mt. Field, Mt. Willey, NH
Trails
Trails: Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail, Ethan Pond Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, September 2, 2012
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty of parking if you get there early, but the spaces fill up quick this time of year. We took two cars, parking one at the Ripley Falls/Ethan Pond trailhead and then drove to the visitors center to park at the Avalon trailhead. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The water levels were pretty low and all water crossings were minor and easily rock-hopped. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: All of the trails are in great condition. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: The south side of Mount Willey has several extremely steep ladders which are unsuitable for even experienced hiking dogs. I do not recommend using that approach if you have a dog. We saw one terribly unprepared couple with a large out of shape chocolate lab attempting to get up the trail. We advised them to turn around, it's really not a good trail for dogs. 
Bugs
Bugs: No problems with bugs this late in the season. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: There is a note at the head of the Avalon trail dated 8/26/2012 saying someone found a cellphone on the Kendron Flume Trail. 
 
Comments
Comments: Beautiful hike! The summit of Mt Tom is slightly disappointing but Field and especially Willey offer fantastic views. The weather started out wet and cloudy in the morning but by the time we reached Mt Willey we had clear views all the way into Maine.



Mt Willey was a wonderful peak for bird watching. With many Juncos, Butter-butts and assorted finches making an appearance. The Gray Jays in this area are extremely friendly, landing right in your hand to eat any food offered to them.



Met some wonderful people at the top. Shout outs to Bill & Marie from Connecticut and Richard with the 50 pound pack.  
Name
Name: Michael 
E-Mail
E-Mail: melabonte(at)gmail(dot)com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2012-09-04 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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