M
Mick
Guest
Eisenhower and Isolation via Edmands Path, Eisenhower Loop Tr, Crawford Path, Mt Eisenhower Tr, Dry River Tr, Isolation Tr (West Branch), Davis Path and Isolation Spur.
Date of Hike: Aug. 22, 2008
Trail Conditions:
Edmands Path- Outstanding.
Eisenhower Loop Tr- Outstanding. Great rock work to ensure a concise path, by-the-way.
Crawford Path- Only traveled 0.2 miles on this one but it was its usual excellent self.
Mt Eisenhower Tr and Isolation Tr (West Branch)- Despite what you may have heard and despite their relative isolation and light use, these trails are quite good. They're a bit rougher than the more popular trails and are a little grown-in by vegetation in places, but both trails are very easy to follow even though there are no paint blazes on the trees. There is some smaller blowdown and a few wet muddy areas but all are easily negotiable. The Dry River crossing on the Mt Eisenhower Tr was very easy.
Dry River Tr- Only traveled 0.3 miles on this one. In that short distance there are several paralleling paths that branch out and staying on the correct trail could be difficult for some. I tried staying on what I viewed as the main trail which was generally to the left (heading south) and was marked, in a few places, by old yellow paint blazes that someone had made a poor attempt to obliterate.
Davis Path- Good enough. Easy to follow but is its usual very muddy self. Some of the bog logs are quite slippery and some move quite a bit under foot.
Isolation Spur- Very good; quick and easy. I didn't find the junction hard to find at all. There is a rock cairn and sign marking it.
Special Equipment: Lots of liquid for a long day. Don't skimp-out on extra clothing and emergency gear. If you get hurt out here it could be awhile before help arrives.
Comments: Based on what I've heard I was a bit concerned at how time consuming the interior trails might be so I was surprised that travel went so well and I was able to do this 20+ mile day (and about 6,000 feet elevation gain) in a little more than 12 hours, including breaks on Eisenhower, the Dry River crossing and Isolation.
I saw no other people between Crawford Path and Isolation summit.
Mushrooms are varied and abundant.
There is a porcupine that walks the trail high up on the Isolation Tr (West Branch). I followed it for about 0.3 miles at about 50 feet behind. It would occasionally pause to observe me.
This route is not for the casual hiker but if you like the mileage, the adventure and a little challenge then this may be for you.
MICK
Date of Hike: Aug. 22, 2008
Trail Conditions:
Edmands Path- Outstanding.
Eisenhower Loop Tr- Outstanding. Great rock work to ensure a concise path, by-the-way.
Crawford Path- Only traveled 0.2 miles on this one but it was its usual excellent self.
Mt Eisenhower Tr and Isolation Tr (West Branch)- Despite what you may have heard and despite their relative isolation and light use, these trails are quite good. They're a bit rougher than the more popular trails and are a little grown-in by vegetation in places, but both trails are very easy to follow even though there are no paint blazes on the trees. There is some smaller blowdown and a few wet muddy areas but all are easily negotiable. The Dry River crossing on the Mt Eisenhower Tr was very easy.
Dry River Tr- Only traveled 0.3 miles on this one. In that short distance there are several paralleling paths that branch out and staying on the correct trail could be difficult for some. I tried staying on what I viewed as the main trail which was generally to the left (heading south) and was marked, in a few places, by old yellow paint blazes that someone had made a poor attempt to obliterate.
Davis Path- Good enough. Easy to follow but is its usual very muddy self. Some of the bog logs are quite slippery and some move quite a bit under foot.
Isolation Spur- Very good; quick and easy. I didn't find the junction hard to find at all. There is a rock cairn and sign marking it.
Special Equipment: Lots of liquid for a long day. Don't skimp-out on extra clothing and emergency gear. If you get hurt out here it could be awhile before help arrives.
Comments: Based on what I've heard I was a bit concerned at how time consuming the interior trails might be so I was surprised that travel went so well and I was able to do this 20+ mile day (and about 6,000 feet elevation gain) in a little more than 12 hours, including breaks on Eisenhower, the Dry River crossing and Isolation.
I saw no other people between Crawford Path and Isolation summit.
Mushrooms are varied and abundant.
There is a porcupine that walks the trail high up on the Isolation Tr (West Branch). I followed it for about 0.3 miles at about 50 feet behind. It would occasionally pause to observe me.
This route is not for the casual hiker but if you like the mileage, the adventure and a little challenge then this may be for you.
MICK
