Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway In April: Water Crossings?

[ImYourHuckleberry]

I'm thinking of doing an MSG thru-hike in April next year as a shakedown for a Gila Wilderness trip in May. I'm wondering if there are any potentially difficult water crossing that could be an issue in the early season?

 

[DayTrip]

I'm thinking of doing an MSG thru-hike in April next year as a shakedown for a Gila Wilderness trip in May. I'm wondering if there are any potentially difficult water crossing that could be an issue in the early season?

I believe there are but they have road walk bypasses. If you don't already own it, they make a great guide for the MSG broken down by sections, maps for each, shelter info, etc. I bought it at a little book store in Peterborough, NH whose name escapes me. Well worth the modest cost.

 

[TomK]

If you don't already own it, they make a great guide for the MSG broken down by sections, maps for each, shelter info, etc. I bought it at a little book store in Peterborough, NH whose name escapes me.

The Toadstool?

Is the EMS in Peterborough still open? I'd expect they'd have it, too...

TomK

 

[DayTrip]

The Toadstool?

Is the EMS in Peterborough still open? I'd expect they'd have it, too...

TomK

I think that was it. I only went there once and it was about 3-4 years ago. Seemed like a bustling little bookstore so I'd assume it is still there but I don't know. I do work in Jaffrey, NH several times a year so that was why I made the trip to the store to get the guide. Short ride from Jaffrey.

No idea on the EMS.

 

[Barkingcat]

I'm thinking of doing an MSG thru-hike in April next year as a shakedown for a Gila Wilderness trip in May. I'm wondering if there are any potentially difficult water crossing that could be an issue in the early season?

No; there are not. While there might be some wet sections of trail, any water crossings that might be an issue are bridged.

 

[DayTrip]

No; there are not. While there might be some wet sections of trail, any water crossings that might be an issue are bridged.

My guide references a dangerous crossing in Eliza Gorge at the outlet of Howe Reservoir and specifically warns not to cross the bridge in high water. Sounded like you had to detour around it on roads. Has that area been improved? I have the 8th Edition of the MSG Guide (2020). Curious.

 

[Scubahhh]

The bridge at Eliza Gorge is pretty substantial, and barring floods of biblical proportions won’t be threatened by spring runoff. It’s a beautiful trail and you’re going to love it! Bear in mind that it’s still likely to be cold (ie still some snow here and there, and you’ll want an warm bag or quilt) and muddy, so please wait until the MSGT site says we’re welcome. You should be good to go by mid-to late-April. Have fun!

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

The bridge at Eliza Gorge is pretty substantial, and barring floods of biblical proportions won’t be threatened by spring runoff. It’s a beautiful trail and you’re going to love it! Bear in mind that it’s still likely to be cold (ie still some snow here and there, and you’ll want an warm bag or quilt) and muddy, so please wait until the MSGT site says we’re welcome. You should be good to go by mid-to late-April. Have fun!

Thanks. I wouldn't have guessed to wait for an "all clear" from mud season. I've only heard of that for mountain bike trails, but it makes sense.

 

[sierra]

I'm thinking of doing an MSG thru-hike in April next year as a shakedown for a Gila Wilderness trip in May. I'm wondering if there are any potentially difficult water crossing that could be an issue in the early season?

Have you ever done the Wapack trail? It's 21.5 miles and I was very impressed with every section. You could do it in two days camping at the Windblown ski area site. I section hiked it as day hikes.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

Have you ever done the Wapack trail? It's 21.5 miles and I was very impressed with every section. You could do it in two days camping at the Windblown ski area site. I section hiked it as day hikes.

I haven't - thanks. I'll put it on my list for spring shake down trips before the Gila.

 

[JToll]

I would second the Wapack recommendation. We section hiked it in April a few years ago. Great to have dry trails when there is still snow up north

 

[DayTrip]

Have you ever done the Wapack trail? It's 21.5 miles and I was very impressed with every section. You could do it in two days camping at the Windblown ski area site. I section hiked it as day hikes.

I'd second that hike too. Nice trail overall with only a few small "dud" sections.

 

[Barkingcat]

The bridge at Eliza Gorge is pretty substantial, and barring floods of biblical proportions won’t be threatened by spring runoff.

Exactly. In fact, the four or five times we've done that particular section of the trail have been in mid- or late April, and twice with significant run-off -- creating some spectacular effects with the falls at and below the bridge. All sorts of spray and mist -- it's almost worth it just to visit that bridge during spring run-off.

Anyway, you should be good to go with that and any other water crossings on the trail.