Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gorge Brook, Snapper, Carriage Road, South Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Who else was glued to the Bubba's Backyard results over the last few days? Well, I put my money where my eyes were and decided to do my own version that was 3% the distance and 4.5% of the time. I'll try to stream it next time. Seriously though, what an amazing event to check in on as the days went by. Congrats to everyone involved! Anyway...the greater Moosilauke trail system is still in very good shape. There are some very muddy spots scattered throughout, but nice herd paths are forming around them. Hike this one with confidence and enjoy the amazing scenery. Good to see Larry on the trails yet again.

Parking

About 20 cars on the road around noon.

Water Crossings

None to worry about. Bridges are all in good shape.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gorge Brook, Snapper, Carriage Road, South Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

A perfect late summer day on Moosilauke - solid winds, blue skies and clothing choices ranging from shorts and long sleeves (me) to just short of snow gear (someone from Mass I'll assume, because it's ok to make fun of them after reading a bunch of F&G rescue reports). Anyway...when the long grass on the Moosilauke summit is nearly the same color as the trail signs, you know it's the perfect time of year to hike it. Watch out for a few puddles and you'll be fine.

Parking

About 20 cars on the road mid-afternoon. Half that a few hours later.

Water Crossings

All the real crossing bridges are in good shape. A surprising number of spots up high that had puddles that required some thinking but could be avoided.

Wildlife

Nope - too much wind

Trails Used

Big Rock Cave, Old Paugus, Lawrence, Cabin

Trail Conditions

Notes

Cave is just awesome. The size of those boulders! Beautiful hike all the way up to Paugus, lush with mostly soft footing. So different from the pounded-to-death trails on the 48. It had rained in the early a.m. so roots and rocks were slippery. This was worst on the granite slabs up near the summit. Lots of what I guess to be bear scat above the rock slide trail area. Very glad that I knew about the overlook just southwest of the peak - phenomenal views of Whiteface/Passaconaway. Old Paugus does have rock scrambles and ledges to negotiate, that the other approach on Lawrence does not. But there's no gravel on Old Paugus. So, pick your poison. :)

Parking

no one there when I arrived at 7:45 am. 8 cars on my return at 2:30 pm, with room for maybe 4 or 5 more.

Water Crossings

Whitten Brook easily crossed with dry feet.

Wildlife

none

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gorge Brook, Carriage Rd, south summit spur, Snapper

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice outing with the OTHH. Six of us did the hike yesterday, six today.

Parking

Adequate parking at the fork in the road with sign. A few cars (ours) at 8am, more stretched out along the side of Ravine rd for a short way at 2:30pm.

Water Crossings

Any water flow had a wood bridge over it.

Wildlife

Not much at the start, as it had been cool overnight. The black flies were few on the ascent, and staying motion worked. The summit had no bugs - too breezy. There were some black flies on the descent, with the warmer temperature, but keeping in motion made things tolerable.

Trails Used

Old Mast Road,Kelly Trail,Lawrence Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Excellent first time hike to Mt Paugus. Kelly Trail is very interesting with many water features and box canyon. Views for days on the ledges of Paugus. This is 50 or 51 of the 52wav. Have to check the records. Plenty of water sources on Kelly and Lawrence Trail running nice and cold.saw what i think was my first scarlet tanger drinking from the stream.

Parking

Ample parking at Ferncroft. Four vehicles on arrival six on return

Water Crossings

All minor and easily steppable

Wildlife

Teasing today but not biting. It won't be long

Trail Conditions

Notes

View was amazing and temps were perfect. Few other people on the trail. Trillium starting to pop.

Parking

Parking lot was full with people headed to Whiteface/Passaconaway.

Water Crossings

Water was flowing.

Trails Used

Old Paugus, Bee Line, Bee Line Cutoff, Bolles

Trail Conditions

Notes

Quiet day in the Sandwich Range with excellent views from Paugus. Important to exit the gorge on Old Paugus at the rock that resembles a step. Glad I didn’t miss it! The tricky ledge scramble on OP could be avoided by a side path to the right. Above the ledges OP was like walking in a little stream bed. Minor snow near the summit cone but no need for traction today. Trails weren’t too hard for o follow despite very few blazes. Moose scat near intersection with Bee Line.

Parking

Parked at Paugus Rd trailhead

Water Crossings

Moderate flow on Paugus Brook. Not quite rock hoppable. I committed to wet feet in trail runners because I knew they’d dry out on the climb and, upon return, I had dry shoes in the car. Other muddy areas and streams were no problem.

Wildlife

None

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Forest mostly dry with some snow in small areas. Summit socked in but trail quality was excellent. Streams and greens visible. Spring growth beginning. Part of 52 WAV challenge.

Water Crossings

Streams present on trail

Trails Used

Kelley, Lawrence, Old Mast

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great loop. The trails were in great condition besides Lawrence. It’s still early in the season so I’m sure the adopter will Get out there soon

Trails Used

Kelley, Lawrence, Old Mast

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great loop. The trails were in great condition besides Lawrence. It’s still early in the season so I’m sure the adopter will Get out there soon