| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
none, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Castle, Israel Ridge, Castle Ravine, The Cornice, Castle |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Bowman, 3 cars in the morning, 3 cars when I came back. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All water crossings, and there are many on this route, were easy. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails are in excellent shape, I cannot remember anything worth mentioning. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Took Nickel up the headwall, he did very well. I had to help him on two occasions. Same thing coming down below the castles, there are two spots that required me helping him. With his harness, no issues doing that. |
|
 | Bugs: |
nope, too windy |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
nothing |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Decided to take advantage of low water levels to go up Castle Ravine with my dog, Nickel (I left Copper at home, he is getting too old). The colors were spectacular, although far from peak yet. I love this ravine because you crisscross the brook, there is plenty to see and hardly anyone. Had my first snack at the Roof Rock and soon we emerged above tree line. Going up the headwall is fantastic, the views, the adrenaline pumping, for me it is magic. Once close to Edmand's Col, the wind was whipping strongly and I decided to skip Jefferson's summit and cross directly over the ridge via The Cornice. That trail is very rough but easy to follow. We had lunch at the junction and soon were on our way down toward the Castles. Again, spectacular views. We only saw one hiker during the day, on the way down. The trail close to Mt Bowman is really pretty, with soft footing. After that is downward until you get back to the junction with Israel Ridge trail. |
|
 | Name: |
Jean-Marc Lapierre |
|
 | E-Mail: |
jmlapierre123@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-09-27 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
