Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford-Ridgepole Trail, Bushwhack, Cotton Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Finally did this route after learning about it 20 years ago. We saw a dozen people between Morgan and Percival, otherwise we saw no one else along the rest of the Traverse. Along the way we popped in two bushwhacks to Webster and Northeast Peak of Doublehead. Birds were relatively quiet today but the views were spectacular of the Lakes Region.

Parking

Parked across from trailhead on Sandwich Notch Rd in small pullout. Spotted a car at Cotton Mountain.

Wildlife

A few mosquitoes were around.

Trails Used

Mt. Morgan Trail, Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails were mostly dry with minor avoidable mud down low. Noted some leaves starting to turn on Route 113. Beautiful summer day with reduced humidity.

Parking

A few spaces open this afternoon.

Water Crossings

None of significance

Wildlife

Minimal

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Morgan Trail, Morse Trail, Mt. Percival Trail, Crawford-Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

My daughter and I greatly enjoyed this classic loop hike in the Squam Lake region; dry rocks and partly cloudy skies provided optimal conditions to negotiate the caves, ladders, and sections of scrambling near the summits of Percival and Morgan. Those mosquitoes were a major incentive to keep the pace up below treeline, especially on wet sections of the trail. There were minor areas of muddy trail on the lower half of the Mt. Morgan descent, with just enough protruding or partially protruding rocks to avoid wet feet (with balance and caution). The early start meant we didn't see any other hikers until just before the caves/cliffs split below Mt. Percival. There were plenty more enjoying the day by the time we came down from Mt. Morgan. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Surprised to be the 3rd vehicle in the Mt. Morgan lot around 7:00 AM on a Saturday.

Water Crossings

Either bridged or easy rock hops.

Wildlife

They were definitely ready to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, as a cloud of mosquitoes descended upon us immediately in the parking lot. Repellent was moderately effective- continuous movement was the best defense. Thankfully, bugs were not a problem on the exposed sections near the summits, and we could enjoy views and food in peace. I was definitely a bit envious when I saw a couple of hikers ascending the Mt. Morgan Trail with headnets.

Trails Used

Mt. Percival Trail and Mt. Morgan Trail and Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Parking

plenty of parking midweek

Water Crossings

Manageable

Wildlife

BUGS WERE RELENTLESS WITH ALL THE RECENT RAINS. MOSQUITOS OUT IN FULL FORCE NEAR THE PARKING LOTS AND LOWER ELEVATIONS. BLACK FLIES UP HIGHER. Hopefully, things will improve when the trails dry out more.

Trails Used

Mt. Percival Trail and Mt. Morgan Trail and Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Parking

plenty of parking midweek

Water Crossings

Manageable

Wildlife

BUGS WERE RELENTLESS WITH ALL THE RECENT RAINS. MOSQUITOS OUT IN FULL FORCE NEAR THE PARKING LOTS AND LOWER ELEVATIONS. BLACK FLIES UP HIGHER. Hopefully, things will improve when the trails dry out more.

Trails Used

Mt. Morgan Trail, Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Mt. Morgan Trail to the ridge was mostly dry this morning, but there were a few mud pits. Typical muck thereafter due to active erosion. Ladders/ledges were dry. Rain started late in the morning, so it's probably wet now. Trailing arbutus and violet in bloom. Nice sunny start to the morning with blue skies and temperatures around 40F.

Parking

A few spaces left around 9AM.

Water Crossings

None of significance

Wildlife

None flying this morning, but picked up a tick.