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.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Attitash Trail, Moat Mountain Trail, Diana's Bath Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Traverse hike, with car shuttle, from Bear Notch Road to Diana's Baths. It had been years since we had visited this trail. We enjoyed the solitude and sections less visited. Ending at Diana's Baths allowed for us to soak our tired feet and knees in cold water before returning home. Fun day with Karen, Ken, and Fyvie.

Parking

We set up a car at Diana's Baths early in the morning before it got crowded, and began at Attitash Trailhead on Bear Notch Road. This is a small lot with room for 4-6 cars, so wise to get there early.

Water Crossings

All rock hoppable

Wildlife

not bad, barely any

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Attitash Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The trail is easy to follow all the way from Table to Big Attitash (BA). It could use some brushing in many areas, but has no “car wash” sections, yet. A trail runner training for the Jigger Johnson race nearly scared the life out of me as I was returning to Table from BA. I’d not seen a soul the entire hike and then he came whipping around a corner unseen and unheard until he wasn’t. He was very kind and took a moment to chat briefly (pretty sure he was just making sure I wasn’t going to go into cardiac arrest) and during this brief moment, mentioned how wild/rugged the woods/trail are between Table and BA. It was well said. This section are woods consistently varying between hardwoods, softwoods and a mix the entire 2.5 mile stretch to the BA summit. The bog just before the summit was wet today. Gaia had this OAB at 9 miles and 2600’ feet of gain.

Parking

No vehicles on arrival to the Bear Notch Rd. parking lot at 9:30am. Lot was full with 4 other cars at 2:30pm on return.

Water Crossings

All easy

Wildlife

None. Couldn’t believe it, still can’t believe it. Barely a breeze today. So quiet i could hear the trains in Conway and the trucks on the Kanc. No rain at all either. I had the necessities (bug spray/head net/rain coat etc.) but not once even thought about needing them.

Trails Used

Attitash Tr

Trail Conditions

Notes

One car upon arrival, two others upon return to lot. All parked strategically. Saw four humans today and one doggo. Blue bead lily in flower and lots of happy birds singing in the woods. Nice little waterfall right now about a half mile in.

Parking

Room for 4 or 5 cars if parked wisely.

Water Crossings

Rock hops or stepovers, no problem.

Wildlife

Some blackflies but it was breezy and held them at bay. After cold temps tonight and snow they may go bye-bye for a bit. One little yellow butterfly.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Moat Mountain Trail, Attitash Trash

Trail Conditions

Notes

Fun day out with Coach getting well off the beaten path for a moat traverse and a side of extra credit. First time on the section between Table and the Moat/Attitash Trail junction. An interesting, rugged, quiet area where it’s easy to feel alone. Got on trail at 6am and didn’t see a soul for the whole day, it was lovely. Saw a few random patches of snow and ice off to the side in some shady places. We can officially call ice out on the Moats.

Parking

Plenty of parking @ South Moat. Limited parking at Table and the space is wonky so make sure to follow Wheaton’s Law and not block anyone in.

Water Crossings

Lucy Brook wasn’t a problem, easy to rock hop. Perfect day to bust out the filters for some cold refreshment.

Wildlife

Couple things buzzing around but no eye contact was made.

Trails Used

Attitash trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice easy hike for the first half. The second half involved areas of scree on steep rock slabs. However, there were trees and roots to hold onto. Rock slabs were wet at this time due to rain but starting to dry on our way down. No snow or ice remaining. Several small stream running across the trail which were easily crossed.

Parking

small lot with a few spots

Water Crossings

Some small streams after a rain; easily crossed

Wildlife

none