This was an AMC hike, and it was nice, I have to say, to be able to kick back as a participant on this one and let someone else worry about the details.
The parking lot off of Rte. 116 was in not bad shape. It had been plowed, and yet was still very icy. Fortunately for us, Saturday was unusually warm, and the ice softened a bit when it was time to depart. On a fiercely cold day, I can see the parking lot being...interesting.
As we were preparing to start, a big pickup truck with NH plates drove, and then the driver turned it around and drove away. I guess we looked scary!
The trail had been packed down, but the new snow on top was not, and those of us who started in microspikes quickly changed to snow shoes. At some point, perhaps a mile or so in, those who had packed it down had turned around, and we broke trail the rest of the way to the ridge. That being said, it was clear that the base of the trail was already packed down, as one discovered when stepping off the trail, at which point one really sank.
The trail is in excellent condition. No blowdowns, no issues. and now it is fully broken out!
Just so you know, there is still a LOT of snow up higher. Very deep. After the weekend of melting, the trail might be doable in microspikes, but you will still probably be happier in snow shoes.
All the best,
Brian
The parking lot off of Rte. 116 was in not bad shape. It had been plowed, and yet was still very icy. Fortunately for us, Saturday was unusually warm, and the ice softened a bit when it was time to depart. On a fiercely cold day, I can see the parking lot being...interesting.
As we were preparing to start, a big pickup truck with NH plates drove, and then the driver turned it around and drove away. I guess we looked scary!
The trail had been packed down, but the new snow on top was not, and those of us who started in microspikes quickly changed to snow shoes. At some point, perhaps a mile or so in, those who had packed it down had turned around, and we broke trail the rest of the way to the ridge. That being said, it was clear that the base of the trail was already packed down, as one discovered when stepping off the trail, at which point one really sank.
The trail is in excellent condition. No blowdowns, no issues. and now it is fully broken out!
Just so you know, there is still a LOT of snow up higher. Very deep. After the weekend of melting, the trail might be doable in microspikes, but you will still probably be happier in snow shoes.
All the best,
Brian
