| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Imp Face, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Imp Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 8, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Probably 5-6 cars on either side of the road at 11am, on the North parking. 3 remaining at 9:30pm. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All easy |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I went North to South and cleaned up the recent storm damage. I only left the last blowdown, about a tenth or so in from the highway on the South end, because I was shot by the time I got to it. It's like 6-8" with a fork so there's 2 trunks to it. Probably can be done with a saw. That takes care of anything that would deter or annoy a hiker. There are still 3 somewhat big and ominous widow makers back on the North end between the brook and 1.2 miles in. They are high up and I wouldn't spend much time under them, as there's a lot of weight there. Thanks very much to Big G for his report, that list of blowdowns and locations was very helpful. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
I didn't need spray until it got dark and the mosquitoes swarmed me when I went to headlamp. Probably from stirring up leaves, I had just finished a big pine as it got dark. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
North was a nicer route, some folks did out and backs and I suspect that's why. Beyond the brook crossing, you won't find any more water until you start down the South side. Water is 15 minutes beyond the summit on the South side. The first water you come to has tiny spots where you can slip a pump hose in, but about 5 mins further down the trail is another brook with much more abundant water for easier pumping. The summit was gorgeous, first time for me on this peak. I loved it. It was hot in the sun up there though, so after an hour I reluctantly returned to the woods.
I found the path to the true summit easily with Gaia. The herd path is distinct enough that a log is put to block it so folks won't think it's the real trail. It takes like 2 minutes to follow it and find the high point, very obvious. Watch the minor spruce section, they jab and scratch like porcupines on your bare arms. No jar found.
The middle part of the South end is pretty rough, with a stream running thru parts of it, and footing is evenly divided between rock hopping down the stream or getting car washed on the side herd paths. I was tired and slipped on a rock and went into the water at one point, fortunately my Dad had trained me at an early age to turn the ax away should you start to fall. After I pulled myself out, I accepted this just wasn't a good place to try to make good time, and slowed down.
The trail was not crowded, I did pass probably fifteen or so good-natured folks. No one wore masks, everyone gave 6' clearance, and the subject of Coronavirus never came up once. So far, this is a good under the radar trail.
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 | Name: |
Steve Marion |
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 | E-Mail: |
swampfoxsteve@gmail |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-08-08 |
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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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