Cog Parking.

[MadRiver]

Dear Knowledgeable ones:

What is the current status with respect to overnight parking? Can I spot an overnight car at the cog parking lot, or will I be towed? Also, is the Jefferson Notch road open and plowed?

Thanks

 

[David Metsky]

Jefferson Notch road is not maintained for winter travel, so no plowing ever happens. I'd be very wary about attempting a trip over that road this time of year even with 4wd.

-dave-

 

[MadRiver]

Thanks Dave. BTW, I called the cog and they said I could park overnight for a $10.00 fee. The earliest I can drop off the car is 7:00 am.

 

[RoySwkr]

Thanks Dave. BTW, I called the cog and they said I could park overnight for a $10.00 fee. The earliest I can drop off the car is 7:00 am.

I'm more confused than ever

Overnight starts at 7 am?

If you leave it after 7 do you pay $0, $5, or $10?

 

[Chip]

I believe the implication is that they might tow you if you are there, unpaid for the overnight, at 7am when the Cog crew arrives.
I would pay for the weekly or annual parking pass and park at the Ammo Ravine trailhead lot, if you was to ask me.
Of course this all is for nada if the Cog stops and they don't plow the road.

 

[Jasonst]

Chip -

On the USFS "Forest Road Status" page it indicates that the Ammo trailhead is closed and to "Park at Cog Base in the winter." which means that the only 'safe' parking may be at the Cog.

Over the past couple of years I've parked near the Cog RR building in winter the staff there have expressed concern about vehicles being parked overnight as they interfere with plowing in the event of a storm. So, it's always good form to check in them when you park, especially if you know you're going to be there overnight.

Last year I parked at the Cog RR 4 or 5 times during winter (all dayhikes) and checked in with staff each time, and not once was I asked for $$, despite the postings on VFTT. So, while I'd be prepared to pay when you drive up, you may not be required to.

Kevin

I paid the fee last year. They must know you and Brutus by now! Did you give 'em one of those "... do you know who I am?" statements?

 

[MadRiver]

When I paid in the cafeteria on Friday morning the cook told me to part up top near the woods. I complied. When I arrived at my car on Saturday, the guy plowing the parking lot thought it would be amusing to bury my car. It wasn’t!

 

[RoySwkr]

I would say this is as official as it gets

> Dear Sir:
>
> Our current policy in the winter has been: $5 per
> day, $10 overnite. Parking
> in lower lot only so they don't interfere with
> plowing operations.
>
> Wayne Presby

 

[MadRiver]

Then someone should inform the staff.

 

[giggy]

Mad River I would second this - this same thing happened last year - there was a hoopla of confusion of what was possible as far as parking - I called again yesterday and spoke with a women who was more concerned about telling me I was nuts for hiking above treeline and should reconsider my plans - than telling me my options for parking there - she told me no overnight parking at all due to snowplows - so who knows.

bottom line is that hikers are not their business and we shouldn't expect it to be that way - in all fairness

- I have decided to avoid parking there all together unless doing a day trip where I start later than 7:30am.

 

[MadRiver]

I have decided to avoid parking there all together unless doing a day trip where I start later than 7:30am.

I too will avoid parking at the cog this winter. I doubt I will be doing any overnights since both of my hiking partners are on the injured reserve list.