Trails Used

Crawford-Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Crawford-Ridgepole Trail is very steep at the beginning, including a tricky scramble up a rock face less than 1/2 mile in. After that the grade moderates and there are some PUDs before you reach the intersection with Doublehead Trail. It's definitely worth the short detour down Doublehead Trail to the south facing ledges. Great views of Red Hill, Squam Lakes, and more. After taking in the view, I went back down Crawford-Ridgepole Trail to my car. If you haven't done it before, I recommend continuing west on Crawford-Ridgepole to Mt. Squam and beyond. It's a very rough, less-used section with a gorgeous view north toward Sandwich Dome. The whole trail is a gem and tougher than you might expect.

Parking

Parked on the side of Sandwich Notch Road, right at the trailhead. There's space for two cars there and limited parking close by.

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

Black flies and mosquitoes. Ugh.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Eastman, Doublehead, Crawford-Ridgepole, Percival Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

great loop went counter-clockwise / could have gone either direction

Parking

relatively empty for such a beautiful day

Wildlife

emerging

Trails Used

road walk : New Path : Old Path : Doublehead Ski Trail : spur trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I was able to bare boot the entire circuit. Some short stretches of snow/ice on the north side of South Doublehead on the New Path and short stretches of snow/ice on the Old Path about midway between the junctions with the Doublehead Ski Trail and the New Path. Not difficult to get by. Some spot ice elsewhere that are easy to avoid. Good views from both mountains especially the sweeping views from a rock ledge just off the New Path not far from the trail sign for the South Doublehead spur. Good to talk with Joe from Jackson (not to be confused with Shoeless Joe Jackson). The Doublehead cabin's exterior looked fine. A snow shovel is on the ground by the cabin.

Parking

Parking lot is fine. Only superficial mud.

Water Crossings

Brook crossing on the Doublehead Ski Trail near the parking lot is bridged. All other crossings are minor.

Wildlife

A few bugs flying on this warm day.