Mount Tom

Trail: Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur

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

“A fine evening for another 4K a day hike! The trail was very wet and had some running water and puddles (namely, one large one on the Mt Tom Spur), but I don't remember there being crazy mud because it's so eroded. I don't think I saw any snow until above 3500ft, and it was off-trail. A tiny bit on trail shortly thereafter, but it wasn't really sticking anywhere except for the summit, but I don't think my trail runners ever got wet due to the snow. Avalon Trail starts gradually, then becomes more moderate and eroded. A-Z Trail has some steep parts along the brook. Mt Tom Sput is mostly pretty gentle, except one rocky steep part that might be called a very easy scramble. This late in the day, not only did I have the summit to myself, but I only saw five others, three groups, all but one of which was more or less at the start. I'm also curious where people think the true summit of Tom is...I think it's just after the cairn in the trees. Gaia had me at 5.3mi, 2150ft of gain, 2hr35min.”

Trail: Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur, Willey Range Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“This was my fourth pivot for the day. I could not make up my mind where I wanted to go but this was a solid choice. The Avalon trail has plenty of water and mud down low. A-Z was in nice shape and the rocks were dry which made for faster travel. The Willey Range trail was surprisingly dry as well. The bog bridges were wet so I walked carefully on those. Honestly, the trails were excellent today. And I only saw 10 people all day so things were quiet. It was lovely to bump into fellow gridiot, Lauren and her friend Kristen who is working on her spring 48. And I got to pet their dogs so my little heart is happy. I got back to my car 10 minutes before the rain started. Woo hoo!”

Trail: Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Most surfaces are dry. It was easy to get around the minor snow patches without going off trail. I prefer to ascend the steep and rough Avalon Trail to the ridge and descend via the A-Z trail. The view from Mt Avalon is worth the hike up the short spur trail off the Avalon Trail. Be sure to go over Mt Willey summit down the short spur to the magnificent overlook. The sign is on the opposite side of the Willey Range Trail from the spur and faces south so it is not evident to hikers approaching from the Mt Willey summit. There are good views to the eastern Pemigewasset area from cleared out paths at the Mt Field summit. No views from Mt Tom at this time of year. Saw Painted Trillium, Red Trillium, and Hobblebush flowers.”