| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sandwich Dome, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Algonquin Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 28, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at a little spot right at the trailhead. There’s one other spot right there (empty on our arrival at 9:15, filled at our departure at 4pm). Otherwise you’ve got to park in the parking area just off the road and past the trailhead. The road is sometimes VERY narrow from the Center Sandwich side but isn’t really rutted or anything. Just some protruding rocks to watch out for. There’s some steep hills that you can’t see over; I HIGHLY suggest honking as you go over these in case there’s a car on the other side. Sandwich Notch Road from this side is probably passable by any car (a little clearance would be good for the protruding rocks). |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Very easy rock hops. The first one does look like it could be difficult at high water. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
It’s a wilderness trail so it is not maintained like other trails. In particular, the people I was with found it hard to follow. Other than a moment of thought it two on the ledges I had no problem though. Experienced hikers won’t have a problem; newbies will likely wonder whether or not they’re on the trail. There’s faded yellow blaze throughout and the middle section of trail has yellow diamonds to aid you. Some blowdowns but nothing really impeding travel. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I wouldn’t recommend it for most due to the tricky scrambles. I’d also bring extra water now particularly for the upper portion. None seen. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some flies an possibky a stinging insect up top but nothing biting or bothersome. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
An out-and-back on Algonquin Trail to Sandwich Dome for redlining. My parents only made it to the first view (the guidebook is a little deceiving here; I got the impression that the views were had at/before the pass and before the scrambles but they’re actually after Black Mtn and the first view is immediately after the first scramble) while a friend and I continued to the jct with Black Mtn Pond Trail. Originally I had wanted to go up to Sandwich Dome and then go down Black Mtn Pond Trail and Guinea Pond Trail but considering our friend decided not to go to Sandwich Dome and just wait for me at the jct, that didn’t seem like it was going to happen... another time!!
The trail was mostly dry except for the bottom where it’s flat where things seemed damp. After 0.75 miles(ish) it gains a lot of elevation quite quickly. It moderates some and then flattens out and goes through some very beautiful forest which was probably my favorite part of the hike :) It continues up sometimes steeply from there until the pass. Afterwards the trail moderates some briefly until the first tricky scramble and view. The trail then continues, sometimes steeply and with some more tricky scrambles to the jct. From the jct to Sandwich Dome, the trail is more pleasant. No more tricky scrambles and a more moderate grade. Better footing too. Lots of great views along the ledges. The rocks were mostly dry but when they weren’t (and sometimes even when they were dry) I found them to be quite slippery and fell a few times.
There was only one major mud pit that looked like it could be fairly deep if you stepped in it. There were some little logs to step on that helped. Also one water pit with some rocks to hop on. Beyond that there was some rare minor mud. |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-09-28 |
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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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