| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mousley Brook Road, Daniel Doan Trail, J Trail, Quinttown Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the junction of Mousley Brook Rd. and Quinttown Rd. in Orford, and walked to the DDT trailhead. |
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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: |
Nothing significant. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
DDT is in poor shape and looks like it hasn't seen any maintenance in quite a long time. Lots of small blowdowns and deadfall and heavy erosion closer to the summit. Lots of water on and running down the trail. The lower portion of the trail has also been impacted by ATV use. JT, being a section of the AT, is in much better shape, but could use some additional spans of bog bridging in places. Blazing needs to be redone on both trails. Water bars on both trails need to be dug out. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Some sort of tick things that weren't ticks. I don't think. No idea. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Liquid water and liquid dirt were the order of the day on these trails. DDT is very wet right now with a few minor flooded sections. As mentioned above, it looks like it hasn't seen any love in a while. Easy enough to follow but slower going than the stats might suggest. Lots of slick wet ledge approaching Mike Murphy Spring (which was flowing well today).
JT also had lots of mud pits, but with the added benefit of bog bridges and better water mitigation.
The road walks were pleasant with nice foliage color popping in this area. I was a bit early for the mythical "mostly sunny" forecast, but saw a bit of undercast to the NW from the fire tower (that trap door is still heavy). The view from the tent site is becoming overgrown.
Only one other hiker seen all day -- a southbound AT thru-hiker. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-10-06 |
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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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