Trails Used

Mt Potash Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I was pleased that the forest road did not have high grass that may harbor ticks. I don't know if it was due to seasonal dieback or from mowing. There is no sign for the trail as it crosses this road. There are rock stairs on the right side of the road. The trail is a mix of easy hardwood forest path, wet ledges in the evergreen forest, a rock strewn section, and finally a steep ledge section near the summit. Fortunately, the steep ledges were mostly dry. These ledges may be difficult when wet or icy. The trail ends at a rock ledge with a great outlook including Mt Washington in the distance. I did not find any USGS marker. There is a WMNF wilderness stake in the woods near the summit. Nice talking with Jim from Boxborough MA and another hiker from Chester, NH.

Parking

Parked to the side of route 112 just west of the Waterville Valley town line. Do not block the gate for the forest road.

Water Crossings

The crossing of Downes Brook is a challenge. Three hikers made it across with one hiker pointing out that a large rock in the stream was wobbly. Three other hikers decided to skip Mt Potash due to the Downes Brook crossing. I checked out the brook and decided to take the alternative route to Mt Potash by hiking up forest road 511 from the Kancamagus Highway (route 112).

Wildlife

A few flies but thankfully no black flies.