Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
East Osceola, Mt. Osceola, NH |
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| Trails: |
Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Thursday, November 10, 2022 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The small lot for the Greeley Ponds Trail off the Kancamagus Highway (route 112) is very bumpy. Nevertheless, it should not be a problem for any vehicles. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
There were plenty of dry rocks to facilitate crossing of the South Fork of the Hancock Branch. All other crossings were over minor waterways. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One tree across the Osceola Trail low to the ground near the junction with the ski trail. Easy to get over.
One large tree across the Osceola Trail between the two peaks. Easy to get over.
Several leaners high above the ground on the Osceola Trail. None presented an obstacle with no snowpack.
Some bog bridges on the Greeley Ponds Trail are worn while others were in great shape. Even so, all bog bridges were usable. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine if dog has no problems with steep rocky terrain. |
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| Bugs: |
None |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Earlier this year I hiked the Osceolas from Tripoli Road, so I decided to hike from the Kancamagus approach. It is also an easier drive for me and I used the mountains to block the westerly winds for most of the distance. As it turned out, the winds seemed less strong than forecast.
The Mt Osceola trail from Greeley Ponds Trail has a long stretch that is steep with rocky footing. Thankfully, the surfaces were generally dry. There were a few very small patches of ice that were easy to avoid.
It was safe to ascend the chimney today. There are many foot and hand holds to make the ascent secure. On descent, I used the by-pass route around the chimney.
The leaf cover on the trail was not a problem.
When descending the Greeley Ponds Trail to the Kanc, make sure to turn right when the ski trail continues straight ahead. I saw no arrow, sign, or blazes at this junction. At a distance, I could see the ski placard and a sign on the ski trail.
There are many viewpoints although the true summit of Mt Osceola (no cairn) is in the trees and the top of East Osceola (cairn) has no views. |
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| Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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| E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-11-10 |
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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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