Galehead Mountain

Trail: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Spur, North Twin Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant

“WOWZA what a day! Our crew was the BOMB today. Gale River trail has the usual muddy spots and still has a good bit of running water on the trail. Garfield Ridge trail was a bit drier but still had some wet rocks. The hut was open and had some kind of decadent chocolate brownie thing for sale. Highly recommended. We picked up Dave at the hut and kept him for the rest of the day. The trek up to Galehead was also wet and had some good muddy sections. The slog up to South Twin hasn't changed a bit. The rocks seemed a bit drier here. We met up with many friends along the way which was nice. The stretch between South and North Twin has some impressive mud and water. No legs or shoes escaped unscathed. The North Twin trail had less mud but still had wet rocks which required some care to descend. The trail after the water crossing was in really nice shape with far less mud. This was an outstanding day for our crew. Luke closed out another round of the 48, Caroline knocked off 3 more for her list, Dave closed out June for his over 65 grid, and I closed out June for my second grid. So much to celebrate today!”

Trail: Pemi East Side Trail, bushwhack, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twin Brook Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.”

Trail: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant

“At times, I wondered if I had gotten off trail and into the North Branch of the Gale River on the lower section of the trail. The first half mile or so is mostly dry, and then things got wet and muddy. Hoping that this trail is given a few days to dry out before the next heavy rain, as multiple sections had some running water or ponds. No new erosion to speak of, so kudos to the trail stewards who have worked on making sure water goes where you want it to! All rocks were wet, go figure! Once you get to the 'steep section' of the Gale River Trail, the water on the trail had mostly subsided.”