Trails Used

UNH Trail (loop)

Trail Conditions

Notes

First time up Hedgehog, conditions were overall great. Would recommend ascending the loop in a counter clockwise direction, as the steep, slippery rock faces are mostly part of the ascent. Be careful with wet ledges and rock faces, there were a few of slippery steps today. At the summit, the sun was breaking through and was joined by a slight breeze, mostly dry at the top.

Parking

Plenty of space at Downes Brook parking lot

Water Crossings

Minor stream crossing, not significant

Wildlife

No issues

Trails Used

UNH

Trail Conditions

Notes

No snow or ice at this low elevation. The ground was unusually dry for this time of year. Some of the rock ledges in the evergreen forest were still wet from yesterday's rain. Many roots on the trail. The exposed ledges were mostly dry. No obstructions on the trail. I prefer hiking the loop in the clockwise direction in order to ascend the steep ledge sections. I stopped off at Allen Ledge on the descent (signed for short spur path). Good views from East Ledge, the summit, and a west outlook just steps away from the summit. Nice talking with hikers from the Cape Cod, Brookline MA, and Durham NH.

Parking

Half the lot was filled with vehicles at 9:30AM.

Water Crossings

Minor crossings. Easy to get over.

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Downs Brook Trail, Potash Mt Trail, UNH Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The trails are in great condition, minor areas of mud that are easily avoidable. Great weather and incredible views.

Parking

Parked at the UNH, Downs Brook and Potash trailhead parking. Plenty of spots available.

Water Crossings

Downs Brook (for Mt Potash): Can be crossed, but can be a little tricky

Trails Used

UNH Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Clear and significantly dry trail considering all of the rain Sunday. Trail was in great shape and easy going. Didn't see anyone all day. Had the East Ledges and Summit to myself. Some snow squalls blew through in the afternoon along with the sunshine. Higher elevations saw more snow, but just barely a dusting at the lower elevations. Fun, moderate hike.

Parking

Empty Lot

Water Crossings

No Issues

Wildlife

No Bugs

Trails Used

UNH Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Clear and significantly dry trail considering all of the rain Sunday. Trail was in great shape and easy going. Didn't see anyone all day. Had the East Ledges and Summit to myself. Some snow squalls blew through in the afternoon along with the sunshine. Higher elevations saw more snow, but just barely a dusting at the lower elevations. Fun, moderate hike.

Parking

Empty Lot

Water Crossings

No Issues

Wildlife

No Bugs

Trails Used

UNH Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

After a super-fun time paddling the Swift River (upper section - bear notch road to rocky gorge) in the am, I headed here on my way back. Absolutely terrific. Love love love the ledges and views so much. I am not all that fond of all the PUDS and massive erosion, but, this is a popular loop for a good reason. Took longer than expected, but, was happy to complete in 2:07 if I were timing myself... which I was hahaha... because I wanted to get home!!! I enjoy snow-free trails!!!

Parking

parking lot almost full when I arrived early afternoon

Water Crossings

no major crossings

Wildlife

none yet

Trails Used

UNH

Trail Conditions

Notes

Loved the post rain vibe. Went CCW.

Parking

Free lot

Water Crossings

Minor

Wildlife

Almost none

Trails Used

loop trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hiked counterclockwise. Long sections of unavoidable ice on steep sections of both east and west sides of loop. West side (by Allens Ledge) has less mud than east side. East side has typical April mud. Conditions expected to improve in 2-3 weeks. Trail adopter has formal request with USFS for three small reroutes and new drainages on east side, planned work for summer. Emphasis on Leave No Trace - stay on trail including through mud and ice.

Trails Used

UNH

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spikes door to door, some icy patches on steep sections, and a few scattered areas of dry trail but mostly good snow with a wide stable monorail. If you find my glove, please email me.

Parking

Well plowed, no Port-a-potty

Water Crossings

minimal