Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, Attitash Trail, road walk, Bartlett Experimental Forest trails, road walk, Mt. Tremont Trail, Brunel Trail, Sawyer Pond Trail, forest service roads, Sawyer River Trail, Hancock Notch Trail, road walk, Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Tripoli Rd., Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Waterville Valley XC ski trails

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is a full report from the Jigger Johnson 50, which took place starting on August 15th, and was a point-to-point trip from the Moat Mountain trailhead on Passaconaway Rd. to the village of Waterville Valley. Trails were relatively dry, which made the Attitash Trail much more pleasant- the most likely places to get wet feet were the Hancock Notch Trail and the Greeley Ponds Trail. Even the swamp just west of the Big Attitash summit had enough logs and tree roots above the mud level that you could theoretically get across without submerging (I wasn't dexterous enough to fully accomplish this). Dry rocks also made the going much easier descending from North Moat, Mt. Osceola, and Mt. Tecumseh. We were treated to relatively temperate weather and partly cloudy skies- perfect conditions to abuse ourselves over 61.1 miles with 15,900' elevation gain. Many thanks to all of the random hikers who cheered us on and blatantly lied by telling us how strong we looked! :) Excruciating details- in keeping with the spirit of the race- on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Plenty of parking for the race start in Waterville Valley.

Water Crossings

All crossings, even those of the Swift River and Sawyer River, were relatively easy rock hops. Attribute this to the relatively dry conditions in 2026.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes emerged in the late afternoon / evening hours, but otherwise this was a mercifully bug-free event. There is a known yellow jacket nest on the Mt. Tecumseh Trail, on the steep climb just before reaching the saddle of West Tecumseh when approaching from the Tripoli Rd. side. A 100-mile participant told me that he got stung twice, and many other racers got stung as well. I was given the advice to stay to the right when ascending. I passed this area around 1:30 AM and in 50-degree temperatures, and fortunately there was no yellow jacket activity.

Trails Used

Mt Trenont Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail was dry with pockets of mud. The flat-ish section near the old logging road was very wet and the trail has turned into a stream. Some wet ledge higher up on the swtichbacks. Heavy erosion and trail creep in full force up higher. Great, expansive views from the summit ledge offering a good perspective on Carrigain Notch and the surrounding peaks. Partly to mostly cloudy with no wind and temps in the low 70s.

Parking

Large pull off on 302 across the street from the trailhead. Room for several cars. I was the only one there mid morning and only one other on my return.

Water Crossings

Several crossings on this route. All easy hops today

Wildlife

Not too bad until the summit where I had to put on some bug spray. Black flies and mosquitoes buzzing around

Trails Used

Mt. Tremont Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

It was warmer than expected today and the winds mostly stayed above the trees making the bugs a small nuisance. But the day was otherwise fantastic.

Parking

Plenty of spots.

Water Crossings

Easy hops.

Wildlife

The promised gusty winds remained aloft most of the day which meant that the black flies got a little gnarly at times.

Trails Used

Mt. Tremont Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great weather and the trail is drying up. There still is a 10 foot long icy monorail at 2600 feet. Some of the roots and rocks have water and wet leaves on them making for some slipper spots in the switch back areas near the summit.

Parking

Parked just a few hundred feet up and across from the trail on Rt. 302.

Water Crossings

All water crossings were very easy, some of the mud around them is still surprisingly deep.

Wildlife

Not yet

Trails Used

Mt Tremont Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

There are some small mud spots and some standing water on the trail down in the lower elevation. Lots of roots on the trail. The upper section of the trail is a series of steep switchbacks including one spot that is badly eroded making for awkward footing. There is very little snow/ice on the trail starting just below 3,000 feet. The longest stretch of snow/ice runs about 15 feet in length. No need for traction. There are small spots of ice that somewhat blend in with the ground that could result in slippage. Great views of the Sandwich Range, Sawyer Pond, and Mt Carrigain and Carrigain Notch from the summit ledge. There is a USGS benchmark at the top. The Waterville ski area can be seen in the distance. On descent, I could see Mt Eisenhower and Oakes Gulf with no leaves on the hardwood trees. Mt Washington was in the clouds. Nobody else on Mt Tremont today.

Parking

Parked in dirt pull off diagonally across from the trailhead.

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops or step overs on many small brooks

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Mount Tremont

Trail Conditions

Notes

A tougher trail, but going slow and steady worked for us. Great views. About a half inch of soft snow higher up and one short section of monorail that had space adjacent to avoid it.

Water Crossings

Easy to cross

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Mount Tremont

Trail Conditions

Notes

A tougher trail, but going slow and steady worked for us. Great views. About a half inch of soft snow higher up and one short section of monorail that had space adjacent to avoid it.

Water Crossings

Easy to cross

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Mount Tremont

Trail Conditions

Notes

A tougher trail, but going slow and steady worked for us. Great views. About a half inch of soft snow higher up and one short section of monorail that had space adjacent to avoid it.

Water Crossings

Easy to cross

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Mount Tremont Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Couldn't ask for a better day to be outdoors! Beautiful weather, clear skies, and the trails are nearly free of ice and snow. There are only two small monorail sections left.

Water Crossings

Easily traversed

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Mt Tremont trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great day for a hike. Monorails were navigable. I had traction, but never put them as each monorail was very short - less than 20’ and I frequent.

Water Crossings

Several minor crossing, all not a problem

Wildlife

Lots of flies at summit, but clustering around small trees. Didn’t bother me at all while I was having lunch