| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 8, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Gale River Road is OPEN and dry. Summer lot filled this morning. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Hoppable on wet rocks. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Took out a couple of blowdowns, but a few remain, including a large one at the snowmobile trail crossing. Sad to see unmitigated erosion and trail creep continuing to destroy what was once a nice, fairly smooth trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None yet. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Garfield Trail was mucky in places down low due to unmitigated erosion. Virtually no trace of snow below 3,200 feet. Plenty of areas of water running down the trail, as well as deep mud.
Consistent snow started instantly at 3,600 feet in elevation (only two very short bare spots; tree wells of course are growing in the woods). Based upon recent 4K reports, I did not bring snowshoes, but came close to regretting that decision. There is still 1 to 3 feet of snowpack from here to the summit and, had the snow been much softer, it would have been tedious posthole city. Fortunately I was able to bareboot with firm conditions this morning, but it was getting soft on the descent (firm enough that I did not posthole, but it felt close in some places where the sun had shined).
Based upon what I saw today, I would not want to venture along Garfield Ridge (or across the Twins) without at least light snowshoes on my pack.
The steeps up to the summit were slippery and light traction was very helpful in descending.
Much nicer morning than expected weather-wise, with partly sunny skies and mild temperatures. Lots of wildflowers starting to pop down low, including yellow violet, hobblebush, and trout lily. A few miles of the trail may be lined in trout lily before long.
Surprisingly few folks out hiking this morning. Was expecting a mid-morning rush, but it never materialized. Felt a little bit like pre-Facebook hiking. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-05-08 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
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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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