N
NeoAkela
Guest
Skies were clear despite a poor weather forecast, so at 10:30 we decided to give the Moose a go. Yesterday's rain had put a nice dusting of snow on the peaks of the Franconias and this peak, so we brought our winter gear and stabilicers just in case.
Up the Gorge Brook trail from the Lodge was clear and well maintained, remaining mostly snow free until the "Last good water" area, where we suddenly hit snow. The remaining 'monorail' went in and out of existence the rest of the way up the trail, never getting more than a foot high. It was easily avoided by walking on the side where the snow was never more than a few inches deep, and there was little ice, mostly slush. Never needed to pack out the stabilicers and barebooted the whole way. Mud and runoff water were an issue, but standard hiking boots kept our feet dry without any problems
The peak was windy and snowdrifts were here and there, up to 18 inches deep in some areas, but the trail was mostly clear of snow from the wind. Fleece, windbreakers, and a nice warm wool hat were a must. Clouds were rolling in and we saw snowflakes, so we hoofed it over to South Peak. Trail was clear and well marked all the way, the occasional snowdrift was not an issue. Conditions on this summit were the same as the first; windblown and clear.
Headed down the Cariage Road which was clear, open, and mostly free of snow. Joined the Snapper Trail and were back to the Lodge at 5 PM. Almost no snow on this entire trail, which was dry and also well maintained for this time of year.
A great trip... 7 mile loop in an easy, unhurried 6 hours with lots of time spent enjoying the views at the top!
-NeoAkela, Bethlehem
Up the Gorge Brook trail from the Lodge was clear and well maintained, remaining mostly snow free until the "Last good water" area, where we suddenly hit snow. The remaining 'monorail' went in and out of existence the rest of the way up the trail, never getting more than a foot high. It was easily avoided by walking on the side where the snow was never more than a few inches deep, and there was little ice, mostly slush. Never needed to pack out the stabilicers and barebooted the whole way. Mud and runoff water were an issue, but standard hiking boots kept our feet dry without any problems
The peak was windy and snowdrifts were here and there, up to 18 inches deep in some areas, but the trail was mostly clear of snow from the wind. Fleece, windbreakers, and a nice warm wool hat were a must. Clouds were rolling in and we saw snowflakes, so we hoofed it over to South Peak. Trail was clear and well marked all the way, the occasional snowdrift was not an issue. Conditions on this summit were the same as the first; windblown and clear.
Headed down the Cariage Road which was clear, open, and mostly free of snow. Joined the Snapper Trail and were back to the Lodge at 5 PM. Almost no snow on this entire trail, which was dry and also well maintained for this time of year.
A great trip... 7 mile loop in an easy, unhurried 6 hours with lots of time spent enjoying the views at the top!
-NeoAkela, Bethlehem
