Bear Mountain, CT
Date Hiked: 02/07/07
Trails(s) Hiked: Appalachian Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Clear, snow, sections of ice
Special Required Equipment: Cramp-ons would have helped in sections
The day of extreme winter hiking, Connecticut style, didn't quite start off as planned - a few miles down the road, I realized I didn't have a jacket or fleece with me. No worries, especially after having an unsuccessful attempt at pumping gas in Dalton (frozen pumps). Nonetheless, I carried on.
It was around 6 or so degrees at the trailhead - tropical weather, for sure. After looking at the AMC Hut briefly, I started down the trail, the footprints showing that I was been the first person on it in the last few days. Until the Appalachian Trail is reached, it is a very gradual walk.
The Appalachian Trail does almost a straight shot up the ledgy north face of Bear Mountain - lots of slipping and sliding since I wasn't using crampons or Stablicers. Fortunately, due to the exposure, there was very little wind until reaching the summit.
The big pile of rocks at the summit provides strong views to the north, while some ledges south of it provide views to the west and south. There appeared to be a few snow squals southeast and north of the mountain while I was at the summit.
Date Hiked: 02/07/07
Trails(s) Hiked: Appalachian Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Clear, snow, sections of ice
Special Required Equipment: Cramp-ons would have helped in sections
The day of extreme winter hiking, Connecticut style, didn't quite start off as planned - a few miles down the road, I realized I didn't have a jacket or fleece with me. No worries, especially after having an unsuccessful attempt at pumping gas in Dalton (frozen pumps). Nonetheless, I carried on.
It was around 6 or so degrees at the trailhead - tropical weather, for sure. After looking at the AMC Hut briefly, I started down the trail, the footprints showing that I was been the first person on it in the last few days. Until the Appalachian Trail is reached, it is a very gradual walk.
The Appalachian Trail does almost a straight shot up the ledgy north face of Bear Mountain - lots of slipping and sliding since I wasn't using crampons or Stablicers. Fortunately, due to the exposure, there was very little wind until reaching the summit.
The big pile of rocks at the summit provides strong views to the north, while some ledges south of it provide views to the west and south. There appeared to be a few snow squals southeast and north of the mountain while I was at the summit.
