Summer trail conditions...

[maineguy]

OK, maybe it's just me...but I don't see the point of posting trail condition reports for "official" trails in NH, NY, etc in the summer. By "summer" I mean that short period of time when it is reasonable to assume the trails are clear of snow and ice.

On the other hand, I enjoy reading reports of "herd paths" year round, since their condition is subject to some change with respect to ease of following, etc.

I think that the only time a "summer" trail report is necessary is when there is some problem with the trail. Excessive blowdown, missing trail signs or markers, etc. Otherwise, why post??

It seems like over the years, posters have been using the trail conditions section to report their status of (fill in the list) completion or to announce some exploit (hut traverse in 4 hours, etc).

I am curious as to what others think.

 

[BEUCS]

I'm in total agreement with you on this. I'm reminded of a trail report that I read last year where someone had done the "Pemi-loop in a day". The report had scant (no) trail condition info but did include the total distance hiked (ran?) and the time it took to finish. Although I am impressed with the level of fitness that some people posess and am drawn to these types of postings out of curiosity, I find that I don't rely on the "Trail Conditions" reports at all until around late autumn when the temps and the snow start to fall.

 

[Flatlander_SG]

Summer trail conditions

I really look forward to reading the trail reports any time of year. I find it especially interesting when someone's reaction to a trail is significantly different from mine. I think for me, this is due to the fact that environmental conditions significantly influence my opinion and memory of a particular trail or hike. One trip in particular comes to mind, a bug infested hike to the summit of Mt. Waumbek. The only way we could eat our lunch was by sliding our food under the bug net protecting our faces and to keep our feet moving. It was not a very pleasant experience. However, if I happen to stumble across a positive trail report on the same hike, I might give it a second chance.

I also find the reports a useful tool when looking for ideas for our "next hike". We have completed the NH 4000 footers and are now just hiking what we want to do...we are no longer driven by "the list". Last week, we were looking for a relatively easy hike to do with the teen group at the local church. One of the detailed trail reports on Mt. Osceola reminded us of what a nice trail it was and we found the current trail information very useful. When you take on the responsibilty of leading others into the mountains, you can never have enough information.

I especially enjoy reading about the trails and other people's experiences and opinions ....it is almost like being there! Last winter. I had major surgery and was laid up for 2-3 months but that didn't stop me from going to the computer every day and seeing what other hiker's were doing. It made me feel a little better............(and less sorry for myself)!

Flatlander

 

[Darwin]

I really like the trip reports no matter what the weather. It gives me idea's for future trips, and I like to hear about others achievments in the mountains. I don't think everybody wants to read a 300 word essay about my trip up Ammo ravine , but maybe they might look at a small blurb just to see what the mountains where like on a particular day while they are at work or otherwise. For a long time I did't even know there were forums on this site so all I did was look and post on the trail conditions section and enjoyed it alot, and now that I have learned of the forums I enjoy it that much more. Well, just my 2 cents.





--Shawn

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree

with Post'r boy on this one !

 

[KZKlimber]

While I agree they are less vital in the summer, I still check out recent reports for my destination. I also like to read reports from other peaks on the same day that I have hiked too see how conditions compare.

If someone finished a milestone peak like their ADK 46th or NH 48th I'm happy to read about it and share in their excitement.

As far as times, they may not mean a lot since everyone hikes at their own pace, but if you put in a long day with a lot of miles you deserve to be able to brag about it a little!!!

KZ

 

[Adk_dib]

I like to read te reports for the mountains I am about to climb. I like to know what i'm up against such as water on the trail and if I need long pants for the schrubs.

 

[lumberzac]

There is really only one maintained trail I find very helpful to know the condition of and that is the mud level on the Bradley Pond trail. That information lets me know whether I need gators or scuba gear for the hike.

 

[Jim lombard]

I find them helpful in any season, for instance if I'm planning on hiking Owls Head or Isolation I'd eagerly read what someone wrote about how bad the water crossings were. The info might even make me change my plans.

I also think they're informative to somebody who's never hiked in that area and yes sometimes are entertaining too....

 

[shadowcat]

trail reviews

i always read the trail reviews. i want to know conditions of the trail & no, just bec it's summer doesn't mean there aren't "conditions" to report.
there's all kinds of things to report such as: is a specific trail getting overused? is a trail particulary rocky or difficult, is it wet/muddy. (it was nice to know the trail to macomb slide had a lot of blowdown etc. & to be prepared to climb up and over all kinds of fallen trees). Is there something to watch for? animal sightings? how are the bugs? did the hike have great views or none at all? are there water sources along the way?
they help decide what to wear; long pants, shorts, gaitors, what type of footwear, do i need a windbreaker....
i could go on & on.
i can glean tons of info from the reviews, given those who post them make them informative. i've seen many reviews that aren't informative at all & others that are mini-novellas.
please don't remove this forum. we love to read them and people love to share their experiences of their day.

 

[SherpaKroto]

I find it interesting to see "who was where". A lot of us know a lot of the board members, and it is good to know who got out when and where. It helps me think about who might be interested in joining me on a particular hike (if they were just there, they might not be as interested).

It's also useful to be reminded that the human body is required equipment. I seem to be forgetting that lately

 

[Hammerdee]

Vicarious Hiking

I'm with SherpaK on this one. I like reading about what other folks I have hiked with are doing. Reading such a trip report is like hearing from a old friend. Plus, I get vicarious pleasure from the exploits of others.

 

[maineguy]

"Reading such a trip report is like hearing from a old friend. Plus, I get vicarious pleasure from the exploits of others"

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.

But....that is what the Trip Reports forum is for (I thought)

 

[Grumpy]

"Reading such a trip report is like hearing from a old friend. Plus, I get vicarious pleasure from the exploits of others"

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.

But....that is what the Trip Reports forum is for (I thought)

Well, as they have evolved, the Trail Conditions posts pretty much have become abbreviated trip reports (some more abbreviated than others), which is just fine with me regardless of season. I like them as they are and enjoy reading them. In fact, it's the Trail Conditions section that got me hooked on VFTT several years ago (before the "new" BB setup and registration system). Reasonably organized and easy to check. Not broken. No need to fix.

G.

 

[tycho_32]

I enjoy reading the Trail conditions protion no matter what is in there. I actually check all of them even if I have no intention of doing that particular hike. There have been some interesting things in there. I do read them for the trail information that is in them as well. I do tend to rely on this forum for RECENT conditions on any trail I intend to do. I think some people just like to look for something to complain about. As long as its interesting, informative, and related to hiking its all good.

 

[peak_bgr]

I agree on my account. But what about the new viewers who depend on that piece of mind.

Myself, i post 95% bushwhacks, and leave the obvious out, ofcourse if there is a fun anecdote I'll share it. Of course as said winter is different.

 

[Nadine]

I spent a few years on the trail conditions beofre I made the jump to the forums. I guess being shy kept me exclusively in the trail conditions for a long period of time. After I got used to reading trip reports posted by the regulars, I felt comfortable enough to join the forums. Strange how things workout sometimes