Also on this trip

Trails Used

Edmands Path, Bushwhack, Eisenhower Loop, Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

After an 11 day west coast swing it was time for me to pay my fitness dues and suffer through a short, humid hike. Finally tried out the bushwhack up to Eisenhower which is steep, but very rewarding once you break the tree line. Will have to do it again on a clear day. From Eisenhower down it was exactly as you'd expect - foggy, damp trails with some puddles, and lots of people. The perfect day to get my legs back under me and work off a week of ballpark and conference food.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Crawford lot and Webster Jackson lot at 8am. All parking was jam packed a few hours later.

Water Crossings

Everything could be hopped. A few spots up high were puddling up but well placed rocks helped get through them.

Wildlife

Only one, and it flew directly into my throat, resulting in some dramatics as I tried to cough it up.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, NH 302

Trail Conditions

Notes

Hot humid day in the woods. Dry trail to start, some slippery rocks and mud in the usual spots, overall dryer than I was expecting. Only 2 on top of Jackson, I ate & enjoyed the views knowing it would be busy later on. Steep and wet rock coming down from top, fairly wet to the hut. Bog bridges are starting to show some wear, very deep mud. Refilled water for the climb to Pierce, dry to top. Absolute cluster around the summit, too many here so I found a spot to rest just past it. Still many here but a lot quieter with a nice breeze. Many folks coming from Eisenhower early, really hot for the climb. Wet muddy spots but nice to see many herd paths have been blocked, thank you! Lots of folks here but found a spot to sit with a nice breeze. Somewhat hazy views, was thinking about going down Edman's Path to avoid the crowds but opted not as the road walk sucks. Quick back too no people at junction. Very wet for most of the way down, passed many heading up. Pack plenty of water unless heading to hut as it’s very humid right now in the woods.

Parking

Got a spot in lot by Webster trailhead @ 7 usual craziness @ 3

Water Crossings

Easy step over

Wildlife

Nope

Trails Used

Crawford Connector - Crawford Path - Webster Cliff

Trail Conditions

Notes

7/31 MJB birthday memorial hike. misty on the way up. socked in at the top. cleared by the time I got back to the car. finished the day with some OAB redlining on the Sam Willey trail and saw a momma black bear & her cub not too far from the picnic area hightailing it away from the trail and back into the woods.

Parking

a dozen spots left at 8:30. nearly full at 1:30.

Water Crossings

the one significant one is bridged

Wildlife

none.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Path, Crawford Path, Mt. Eisenhower Loop, Edmands Path, Mt. Clinton Road

Trail Conditions

Notes

Big ole bear in the old golf course below the Crawford Path Trailhead parking lot. Seemed to be enjoying the berries that were ripe. A few cars pulled over on side of road and people above in parking lot taking pictures. Trail is dry for the most part, with the exception of the wooden cribbing were it is always wet about 2.4 miles up Crawford Path. Crawford Path descending from intersection with Webster Cliff Trail was wet with running water in spots. It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon with low humidity, perfect temperatures and enough wind to keep bugs at bay. Everybody I ran into seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Parking

Mt. Clinton Road was open to at least Edmands Path from Crawford Notch. New pavement. Prepare for race track style driving on Mt. Clinton as it is smooth and wide. Plenty of spots on a weekday afternoon on side of Route 302.

Water Crossings

Very little water flowing on Edmands Path crossings.

Wildlife

Nothing of annoyance. Too breezy above treeline and at top of Eisenhower to find out if ground hornets are hanging around again this summer in the deconstructed cairn.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Caps Ridge Trail, Cornice, Gulfside trail, Jefferson Loop Trail, Gulfside trail, auto road, crawford path, monroe loop trail, crawford path, Eisenhower loop trail, crawford path, webster jackson trail, crawford path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Well we wanted to get sunrise but also get back to where we left off the day before. So back up caps and the cornice where colors started around 4:15 am. Up to Jefferson we got to see sunrise around mt Adams. Thankful for the no breeze and comfortable temps. Over to washington and on the summit, barely any people as it was before the cog and the road opened. After we left… the flood of people from the huts were let out. We left our packs at the junction and went up and down Monroe quick. We hit Franklin on the way and continued to Ike and Pierce where all the people were again. Made it down and the car read 79! Lovely time!

Parking

Lots of cars everywhere, parked on road by crawford path

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Black flies

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path, Mt Eisnehower Loop, Mt Monroe Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

I started the morning from the Mizpah Spring Hut and hiked the southern Presidential Range. It is a steep, rocky climb from the hut to Pierce. I took the Mt Eisenhower loop trail over Eisenhower, and the Mt Monore loop trail over Little Monroe and up to Monroe. From the summit of Monroe I turned around, went back over Little Monroe, and continued on the Crawford Path back to 302. Eisenhower had some small scrambles on both sides. Both Little Monroe and Monroe have some large boulders to hop across. Mt. Clinton Rd. was closed for paving so I didn't consider the Edmands Path for my descent; otherwise this could be a good option. The weather was amazing: sunny, warm, low wind; a wonderful day on the southern Presidential Range! I'll write a blog post and create a video of this hike soon.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great hike! It was a gorgeous day. The views from Mt Pierce are stunning. You can see the Mt. Washington Hotel and the presidential range leading up to Mt Washington.

Parking

I got there at 9:15 am and there was plenty of parking. I parked on the side of the road closer to Crawford Path.

Wildlife

No Bugs

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Mitzvah Cut-off, Webster-Cliff, Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

What can you say about longest continuously used footpath in the US? Rocks, roots, and did I mention lots of rocks??? Érosion and féer have taken their toll. It had rained the day before we went up to Mitzpah, so things were quite wet. They weren't much better coming down the next day (Sunday). The Cut-off was wet too, as well as Webster-Cliff Tr, though the slabs on W-C Tr weren't too bad and wet spots were mostly avoidable. All in all, a very nice outing and fun time at the hut.

Parking

Mt. Clinton Rd is being paved this week. The electronic sign said No Parking July 29-July 2, so at some point the parking lot will be closed and the road crossing will be inaccessible. Roadside, the depot, or for $10 the Highland Center during the closure.

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Black flies at various times of the day, bug spray essential if you are a bug magnet!

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Mizpah Cutoff, Webster-Jackson Tr

Trail Conditions

Notes

Was going to hit Eisenhower, but after finding out the road closed (see note above), pivoted to Pierce from the Crawford Connector lot. Crawford Path is in fine shape. Most rocks are dry (but not bone dry), but flatter and compacted sections of trail remain muddy and moist. The Mizpah Cutoff was mostly wet and muddy, but easily navigated with rock hopping. Webster Jackson Tr between the hut and Pierce summit fine overall, all bog bridges and ladder steps intact. Plenty of folks out today but a nice cruise back down Crawford Path after linking up with a buddy!

Parking

Crawford Connector lot full at 11am. ** Mt Clinton road is CLOSED for NH DOT (re)paving, 6/29 to 7/2. ** Be aware, there's no trailhead access for Edmands Path at the moment.

Water Crossings

n/a

Wildlife

Black flies - I got bitten when I stopped but overall not awful

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster-Jackson

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice OTHH outing. Cloud cap on Washington. Eisenhower in and out, trending toward totally out with sun on it. There was a lot of water on the trail for most of the way, but nothing waterproof boots couldn't handle easily. Much or most of the mud was thin enough so we could walk over it. Without good footwear, however, the trail would be unpleasant right now.

Parking

Parked at the train depot for 8am start, with only a couple of cars there, although there were many along rte 302.

Water Crossings

None this route, although there are a number of minor drainage flows crossing the trail.

Wildlife

There may have been a few, but we did not really notice them. Up high, and especially out in the open by the trail junction, the air was quite cool and the breeze moved any remaining bugs along well. It's near the end of June, and I expect the black flies to be fading out anyway.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Webster-Cliff Trail, Webster-Jackson Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

What a GREAT day for these. The winds were lovely and pushed me around just enough and the skies were gray and angry looking for a good portion of the day. BEST weather! The trails are in fine shape if you don't mind wet and muddy feet and legs, which I do not. The rocks were still a little wet in places requiring care but overall conditions were good for making quick time. I had every summit to myself which is crazy. The hut is open and was busy so I cruised past. Most of the time I saw no one on the trails at all. I saw the most people on Webster-Jackson and folks seemed to really be having a lovely day.

Parking

I parked off Mt Clinton Rd. $5 to park or the WMNF pass. Lots of room. I was the second car in the lot.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops even for those of us who are vertically challenged.

Wildlife

It was plenty windy enough to blow them away.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Webster-Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Gulfside, Jewell Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

No snow/ice on the trails all day (there were a bunch of people who drove up the auto road and then hiked down to a chute on Clay into the Great Gulf and they said it was great. Mitzpah hut was open and had water and the usual items for sale. Nobody was around. Sherman Adams cafeteria on Washington was open (kitchen was not open) but you could get water and snacks and sweatshirts, etc. Things I saw today: A glider using the thermals over Monroe. A guy doing a Presi traverse looking for tape as the sole of his shoe was coming off. (he was trucking) A guy trying to do a triple Presi in 24 hours. (Appalachia-Crawford-Appalachia-Crawford). Yikes! Mt. Clinton Rd and Jefferson Notch rd still closed.

Parking

Parked at Cog ($10/person/day). There is a credit card machine in the hiker lot. Rode bike to Jackson TH.

Water Crossings

Nothing remotely challenging

Wildlife

None.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Edmands Path, Mt Clinton Road

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails are in great condition for the long weekend. Mt Clinton road is still closed, and Edmands has a handful of avoidable but nasty blow downs. Otherwise, go out and have fun. Was thrilled to see Chief for the second time in a week and check out his hand saw. Was even more thrilled to see he was with UNE legend Professor Jerry from...*gulp* 28 years ago. Still bringing the energy!

Parking

Plenty of spots at the Crawford Connector lot

Water Crossings

All are easy to get across with a bit of planning

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford Connecter, Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail, Mt Eisenhower Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

In and out hike - Clinton Road still closed. Trail conditions were good - some walk thru mud - generally dry. This trail doesn't get much better than this. Good time to snag Pierce and Eisnehower.

Parking

Parked at Mt Clinton Parking lot (closest to Rt 302). No cars at 7:15 - 5 cars at 12:45

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

None - Zero

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

As you can imagine, the trail conditions are a mix. Really nothing all that unbearable or that you can’t get around. Not much to say about Webster Jackson trail, wet in spots.. but the monorail that was left was short enough distance and reasonably easy to navigate without traction. Any exposed rocks towards summit were bone dry. Webster cliff was not a swamp. It was actually not super muddy, could get around any wetness if you pay attention.. I found this section surprisingly enjoyable per others personal aversion to their previous experiences.. not bad at all for my first full send between these two peaks. The only part of Crawford path with monorail is just as you get into trees (coming down from summit) it was pretty built up but solid and didn’t require my spikes. Rest of trail is wet in sections.. dry down low. Just want to say, overall just keep an eye on the rocks as you place feet and otherwise assume if you step in the mud it could consume your foot. Overall not incredibly poor drainage but there could be some work done to help this out a bit.. I’d bring the rock spikes just in case but likely just end up mostly carrying them. Have fun, be safe & happy hiking 🥾 ❤️ traildad

Parking

Looped from the Crawford train station

Water Crossings

Not a problem on the Jackson crossing

Wildlife

We speak not of these

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Jewell, Crawford connector, Crawford, Monroe Loop, Franklin Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Mitzpah Springs cut-off

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

TLDR - Spikes are preferable, barebooting is possible Details. About ~4500' on Jewell we put on spikes because of pooled ice running down the trail and filling in the level spots/between rocks. With the overnight snowfall and ongoing flurries covering the icy patches so you couldn't see them until you gracefully slipped across those spots, it was just easier to keep 'em on. Same on the way down from Washington summit to the Lake of the Clouds hut, patches of ice here and there made the traction worth-it. Its possible to bare-boot it as a group passed by us on their ascent with just trail runners. Same approach up Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower and over to Pierce. The only real monorail was the last 1/10 of a mile on Crawford Path just below the Pierce intersection after leaving Ike. That was mostly solid, still 5-6' high in most places and starting to collapse here and there. Same small hidden patches of ice and snow all the way to Mitzpah Hut. The hut was open, but no caretaker around at that time so we didn't spent any time inside. That was the last time we took the spikes off for the easy (muddy) trip down the Mitzpah Springs Cut-off and Crawford Path to the Highland Center. So in summary - spring hiking conditions.

Parking

Cog Hikers lot digital iron ranger walks you thru the parking pass, only saw 1x other car there on either the start and finish. Mt Clinton Rd is still closed, so still need a lengthier car-spot or other ride

Wildlife

Thankfully the bug spray and bear spray stayed in the pack pocket the entire time

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Notes

Revisit to a previously completed mountain. Positive experience with hiking partner.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail work today, big thanks to everyone for the intel on the blowdowns (JoMama, Navychik) and some of the prior help to delimb some stuff and make it more manageable (Bogboy). Mr Kenney and Forrest C were nice enough to come join me today and help out. We got all the trees cleaned up so the route should be clean, fast, and ready to rip for a bit. Once it's done melting out we'll head back to get the drainages fully cleaned. Monorail started a bit below the Mizpah Cutoff Junction, bring your spikes, you'll probably want them for the way down.

Parking

We parked on the shoulder of 302 at the base of the staircase.

Water Crossings

Bridged or stepover,

Wildlife

Nada

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog, Crawford Path, Davis Path, Tuckerman Crossover, Crawford, Mt Monroe Loop, Crawford, Mt. Franklin, Crawford, Mt. Eisenhower Loop, Crawford, Webster Cliff, Crawford

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Never hiked up Cog before. Interesting, and most direct, way to get to top of Washington. All trails were relatively clear of any snow until base of Eisenhower loop. The little snow that you will find is easy to navigate around or solid enough to step on without slipping. From Monroe side of Eisenhower to Monroe in the trees is a mixed bag of stable monorail, raised monorail that is quickly deteriorating but still makes you tight rope walk as there is no other way to get around and sections of 6+ feet of snow that was walkable today. Crawford Path from junction of Webster Cliff trail, on way to Crawford Notch, is a mix of western trails (ones that are paved with ice), stable monorail, and deteriorating snow pack. The section near the outlook with th bench close to the junction of Crawford Path and Webster Cliff is interesting as it is 5-6 feet in places and is slanted. Bring the rock spikes for Crawford path for the next couple of weeks if you plan to hike to Pierce or Eisenhower. Rain will do some work tomorrow to help out with the lower ice/snow paths but will still be needed for higher up. Don’t ever miss the chance to take in the sites from Mount Franklin!

Water Crossings

Nothing to be concerned about today. Tomorrow, maybe.

Wildlife

Minimal. One was consumed by mistake. Extra protein.

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Well did a back to back Pierce day… first time. But I knew the conditions the trail and needed to get out again on my achilles with no issue. Saw 7 people today and more melt for sure happening, with the sun and rain more and more spring melt will happen.

Parking

Plenty-parked at crawford depot

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

A few

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Edmands-Crawford-Webster Jackson

Trail Conditions

Notes

Wanted to warn people not to use Edmands Path for the next few weeks. Major logging operations with a few hundred trees felled across the road from Crawford Connector all the way to Edmands Path. It’s a jungle gym sometimes five trees deep. Monroe to Jackson dry or walkable snow until 1/2 mile after Mizpah towards Jackson from there spikes a must with steep monorail and ice. The summit cone is dry but Webster-Jackson side has an ice path for a mile down. I recently built a free toolkit with route data for aspiring gridders in summer and winter see link below.

Parking

Mt Clinton Rd completely blocked see below

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Notes

Steady uphill the whole way. Crawford Path is the oldest continuously used hiking trail in the U.S. Great views and strong day overall.

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Well a nice day out! I saw a total of 30 people and 3 dogs. I took my rock spikes and thankfully since the monorails of solid pack to bare rocks were crazy but thankful I had traction for sure. I put on traction at 3330’ before the junction but could have probably for another 100’ below it. This was my “rebhab” hike for my achilles and everything went well. The monorail that was solid the entire time ranged from 6” to 12” to 6’… the hughest was rught before the bench with a view right before webster cliff trail. Then bare ground to the summit. Beautiful clear day to see George. Good April to get it! Iflew down and hope things stay the same for tomorrow.

Parking

Parked at crawford train station-lot is finally open

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

Spider webs are back

Also on this trip

Trails Used

crawford connecter, crawford path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted for about a mile and a half, then spikes went on and stayed on. Just before the junct for mizpah hut was were some ice/snow made it necessary for traction. Solid monorail started in higher elevation past the junct. Spikes were all that was needed. Some boney sections up above treeline to pierce summit. Headed to eisenhower, the monorail was also firm, there were some narrow sections but no big deal.. also a bit boney in parts where it was exposed. The junct for the last .4mi to summit was mostly firm pack, though about 500ft from summit had some previously drifted snow, looks like I wasn't the first to keep truckin through it without snowshoes.. its honestly such a short section, it would not be worth putting them on, even if you planned to carry them the whole journey for the extra weight. Still winter conditions and temps today, was mostly in the clouds until the way back to pierce it started to clear. Winds weren't super substantial, unlikely to cause any major drifting with the type snow that's there. May be worth grabbing this before it warms up, cuz I think it would begin to get rather unpleasant as that monorail decompensates. Anything lower elevation was a mix of wet, dry, trickling water or mud.. Bring your gaiters & sh*t kick it.. tis the season ! Stay safe, BE PREPARED (for the love of peter) and Happy hiking!!! 🥾

Parking

pay your dues

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford

Notes

Started around 2 AM for sunrise on Madison, hiked the ridge crossing multiple peaks. Perfect temperature, clear skies with cloud formations. Hiker wore shorts and t-shirt, resulting in significant sunburn. Noted sloppy spring season conditions expected to improve.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford connector, Crawford path, Webster cliff trail, Crawford path, Mount Eisenhower loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

After seeing the early morning rain would be gone by 8 am, we opted for a later start at 11. Low winds made it easy to chose a day in the presidential range. Getting to Pierce was what we expected, April conditions with some mud and running water to start and then bits of old ice and snow about a mile into the day. Put on the spikes and moved right along. The drifts section just before the junction with Webster cliff trail had a very high monorail with the added bonus of trees trying to knock us off the top. Took off spikes to head up to summit of Pierce on Webster cliff trail, mostly bare ground here. Nice warm sun to give us a lunch break and fueling up for the challenge to come getting over to Eisenhower. The monorails and then bare ground in between treed in sections surely converted our spikes to rock spikes. Post holing was plentiful , snowshoes would not have helped as they are too wide for these monorails , Nevermind all the bare rock sections they would get wrecked on. Having done this hike a fair amount of times, I have never had such a slow and difficult trek between these two. Totally worth it though for the gorgeous day at the summit of Eisenhower. If you choose to go in the near future, pack you patience . Congrats to my husband for gridding out Pierce and getting Eisenhower done to only 1 more trip. He’s getting closer to joining me on the finishers list, hooray!

Parking

Fee lot off Mount Clinton road had only 1 truck parked when we arrived at 11 am. Note about Mount Clinton road; large trees have been sawed down and left across the road. We assumed there must be road work coming soon or a logging operation. Either way, the road is definitely closed to cars.

Water Crossings

None along this route that aren’t bridged

Wildlife

Lots of flies but not the biting type yet

Trails Used

Crawford Connector : Crawford Path : Webster Cliff Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Water, water everywhere. The snow melt combined with the heavy rains has water run-off either across or down the trails. No need for traction until the upper log bridge on the Crawford Path. Thereafter, light traction worked on the snow/ice track and the monorail at the higher elevations. Water is running beneath the snow/ice in many stretches of trail. Water is running down the trail especially above the junction with the Mizpah Cut-Off. The hard snow/ice surface occasionally fractured when stepped upon. I punctured the surfaces in a couple of instances. The gaiters worked well at keeping the footwear dry. There is some mud at the lower elevations. Up in the drift zone on the Crawford Path on approach to the Webster Cliff Trail there is an elevated snow ridge with a narrow walking surface and some face slapping evergreen boughs. I started the hike at noon based on the forecasted clearing for the afternoon. There were blue skies on the Presidential Range when I arrived at the Mt Pierce summit. Great views! Mt Eisenhower's summit looked purple from the diapensia mats. Met one U Lowell student, a hiker from Concord NH working on the grid, and a hiker from Monroe NH.

Parking

Fee lot off Mt Clinton Road had very few vehicles today. Outhouse open. The Mt Clinton Road is closed (gated). Many trees have been cut and are across the road. Maybe there will be some follow-up road improvements (we can hope).

Water Crossings

Gibbs Brook spanned by a bridge. All other water crossings were easy.

Also on this trip

Notes

Found a phone on Ike and silver jewelry around Pierce. Phone owner unknown, jewelry owner can contact reporter for description match.

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster Jackson, Mizpah Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail started out wet and muddy with patches of ice. The amount of ice increased and we put on Hillsounds. The Crawford Path is well packed down so the monorail is very stable. We tried to go to Eisenhower but after post holing to my thigh we decidecd to just get Pierce and circle around by the hut and come down the Mizpah Cutoff. The rocky summit of Pierce is free of ice and snow. Going to the hut there is unstable monorail and some rock stretches that are free of ice and snow. The Mizpah Cutoff was very unstable with postholing randomly occuring

Water Crossings

All had rocks to step on or bridges

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog Railway, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Trinity Heights, Crawford Path, Mt. Monroe Loop, Mt. Eisenhower Loop, Webster-Jackson Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted most of the way up the Cog until the just before the Jacobs Ladder section. Upon meeting Gulfside, there was a section of hard ice that was sketchy at first, and softening up fast when returning. Over to Jefferson was mostly icy trail with rocks poking through and rime ice on the boulders that was melting fast in the sun. I barebooted from around the Jewell Junction to Jefferson and stayed that way until the sketchy side hill spot before meeting Great Gulf on the way up to Washington. There’s enough exposed rock to just rock hop around all the ice, just pay careful attention your foot placement. I honestly barebooted 95% of my above treeline travel today, but I like to walk on the wild side, rather than destroy my spikes in one day. Everyone I passed had spikes on. Spikes were useful for the descent down Washington in places, when coverage was more consistent, and the climb up Monroe. I took them off at Monroe and kept them off until the climb up Pierce, save for maybe a couple brief soots. Firm monorail in the scrub sections, and grippy frozen granular. You could bring snowshoes for here, but you won’t want to use them, the monorail is too narrow. From the hut to Jackson was an absolute highway. I did use spikes here, and was able to make easy work of the ledgy flow ice spot. Jackson summit and ledges were bare. I took spikes off when the snow became inconsistent at the Webster-Jackson split. From there, any remaining snow/ice was avoidable or low consequence enough that it could be bare booted. Beautiful day, where the heck was everyone? I only saw about a dozen people and had every summit but Pierce to myself.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog Railway, Crawford Path, Mt. Monroe Loop, Mt. Eisenhower Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

TLDR: Spikes on and off all day. Snowshoes not needed today, but still plenty of snow between Ike and Pierce that might need shoes when melty. Details: No to low winds all day :). Ascent by the Cog was a mix of bare ground, then ice and snow patches. Jacob's Ladder stretch was fine ascending in spikes, but I might have wanted more serious traction if descending. All along the ridge was a combo of ice patches, rock, puddles... repeat. If all that water freezes hard again, it will be very icy in patches. Still lots of snow between Ike and Pierce. The monorail was holding up, but it will be messy when it gets soft. Coming down from Pierce was still super firm and great for spikes. Gorgeous day out there!

Parking

Crawford Path lot nearly empty. Note: There is some kind of logging activity on Mt. Clinton Rd past the road closure. A hiker reported about 60 trees across the road. Not a good time for a road walk!

Water Crossings

Nothing to see here.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Deteriorating monorail until 3000ft elevation. After that, trail is great! Spikes door to door. Between pierce and eisenhower, the trail is icy but spikes were sufficient with some care.

Parking

Paid lot, not full at 10am

Water Crossings

No major crossings

Wildlife

None

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail was in good shape. A few trees down but maneuverable. Saw many other hikers.

Also on this trip

Trail Conditions

Notes

Hiker completed Pierce and Eisenhower peaks (2/48 of 48-peak challenge). Previous February attempt on Pierce was their first 4k peak. This hike included Eisenhower as their second 4k peak. Snow conditions required use of boots, microspikes, and snowshoes throughout the hike. Weather improved significantly from previous attempt.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started right away with spikes as the snow from the night before had not melted yet. Going up to Pierce, the monorail near the top is very narrow and hard to stay on top of. On the way to Eisenhower, the trail had not been broken out until a fearless group of three made it most of the way to Eisenhower. In sections, the monorail here is very, very narrow and you need to take care to stay on the trail or your leg will get eaten by a posthole. By this time, the snow was very sticky from the warm sun and was constantly getting balled up on my spikes. Didn't make it to the top of Eisenhower before my turnaround time. Next time.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mount Jackson trail, Webster Cliff trail, Crawford path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted first 0.2 then spikes until mile 2. Snowshoes up to final ascent to Jackson then back to spikes because of the new snow. Coming down to go to Pierce I used an axe to help otherwise it would have been a problem. Snowshoes all the way to Pierce summit. Switched back to spikes to go down. When the snow started melting, I went bareboot to the car because of it clumping immediately on my spikes. Thankfully I didn't fall on any ice the rest of the way. All the snow at the bottom was gone when I got back. Ten degree start forty degree finish.

Parking

Free plowed parking at Jackson TH

Water Crossings

No issues going up to Jackson

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Short sections of narrow monorails in alpine zone, very few postholes otherwise. Hiked for 2/48 peak bagging.

Parking

Trail icy from parking lot

Water Crossings

Runoff required small rock hops

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog, Crawford Path, Mount Eisenshower Loop, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster Jackson Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

After climbing up the Cog in snowshoes, it is boney or fully open enough from 5,500’ on up to bareboot all the way across the summit of Washington. Between Washington and Monroe, crampons were definitely good to have on. I went with full crampons (Grivel G10s) this time of year given the hardness of the ice. You can get by with micros, but the actual purchase of crampons helps a lot. There are many fully open sections on southfacing trails, but plenty of ice and still a significant snowfield. The northeast side on Monroe is still very snowy and steep, but bare on top. We took off crampons after the summit of Monroe and barebooted all the way to the northeast side of Eisenhower. There are a few sections of deep snow amongst the trees, but it’s not that bad and has a firm monrail. The summit cone of Eisenhower is totally bare. Once back in the trees on the south side of Eisenhower there is still plenty of deep sections of snow. Snowshoes are still very helpful here and make moving a lot easier. Except for the summit of Pierce, it was snowshoes all the way to Jackson. For the most part the summit of Jackson is completely free of snow and ice, but as soon as you are back in the trees on Webster-Jackson, crampons are very necessary and we kept them on until we could see the road in Crawford Notch. It was definitely good to get these done while there is a decent amount of snow and monorail left, but things are going to get very messy soon!

Parking

First and last car in Crawford that day

Water Crossings

Things are melting quickly, but still crossable

Wildlife

Starting to emerge at Lakes of the Clouds :-(

Trails Used

Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Fantastic day to be out. Mostly unstable monorail and mashed potato snow so spikes are the way to go. There’s some ice, but it’s pitted. Still some deep spots. I post-holed up to mid-thigh when I stood aside to let someone pass. Also note the monorail is super narrow high up and gets gnarly around some downed trees.

Parking

Surprisingly empty lots for such a gorgeous day.

Water Crossings

Mostly easy step overs. Still a few ice bridges in place but they won’t be there much longer.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spikes all the way. The trail was a superhighway of packed snow to Pierce. It was a bit more choppy to Eisenhower, but spikes were fine.

Trails Used

Crawford Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

In memory of Delilah. Temperatures in the teens, minimal wind at the summit. Trail is well consolidated.