| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Paugus, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Cabin Trail, Big Rock Cave Trail, Old Paugus Trail, Lawrence Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 27, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking is in a roadside dirt lot across from the trailhead. It's not that big, but it is not a well travelled trail. Parking lot had only 2 other cars at 8 this morning, and only about half full by 2 this afternoon. Lot could probably hold around 10 vehicles. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There was one significant crossing (Whitin Brook) that was moderately difficult. It can be rock hopped, but the water level is a little high so it is not the easiest. There were many small streams that were easy to cross, but with the upcoming warmth and dry weather, they will probably be dry by next week. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There were many blowdowns, especially in the wilderness. All of them were easy to step over. The first third, maybe half, of Big Rock Cave trail had some drainage issues. There was water running down the trail and quite a bit of mud, though the mud could be avoided for the most part. Whitin Brook trail is not sign posted at the junction with Big Rock Cave trail, and Old Paugus trail is also not sign posted at the junction with Big Rock Cave trail, 0.4 miles from the Whitin Brook trail junction. Big Rock Cave trail is sign posted at both of these junctions. Sections Of Old Paugus trail were getting overgrown, but the trail could be picked out. In a steep section on the same trail, the path bears right sharply halfway up - this turn is very obscure and could be easily missed as the path exiting that section is overgrown and there is no blaze. There is a small cairn (3 small rocks), but it is easily overlooked. Cabin trail also had some spots that were overgrown, or not obvious where the trail was. All of the trails were poorly marked, but the path is beaten enough that you should find your way without too much difficulty. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
The mosquitoes were BRUTAL! Most notably they were bad on the lower altitudes of both Cabin and Big Rock Cave trails - to the point that you couldn't stop at all. There were still some mosquitoes on the higher altitudes (above ~2000 ft), but they were much less prolific. Probably some black flies mixed in with the mosquitoes, and there were a few deer flies, but the mosquitoes were some of the worst I've seen in the past 10 years. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
Beautiful day for a break-in hike. Just starting my 2023 season, my tenth anniversary of climbing in the White Mountains. This was a great loop to do as a break-in hike. 8.1 miles long. For the most part, the trails were well graded, but there were a few scrambles. Great views south and west from the "summit" and from the ledge below "summit". The woods are very scenic, especially once you enter the boreal forest. Lots of wildflowers blooming right now. Saw both red and painted trillium, pink lady slipper, star flowers, hobble bush, and clintonia, solomon seal and false solomon seal are getting ready to flower in the next 1 to 3 weeks. Saw lots of moose scat on the higher elevations. |
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 | Name: |
Mountain goat |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-05-27 |
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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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