We opted to head right for the bridge by the ranger station, given the warm temperatures and uncertain fording conditions over Johns Brook and Orebed Brook. The trail was broken the entire way, and we had no issues at all with ice. The snow was soft enough that anyone without snowshoes was postholing badly. Luckily we saw very little of this. On the descent, the snow was even mushier, making for tiring hiking in mashed potato-like consistency. There were many water puddles opening up, and streams were flowing on the way back to the Garden, but they all have two-log bridges, so there were no wet boots.
Snowshoes essential all day.
Snowshoes essential all day.
