NH Tramper
Member
Date of Hike: Nov. 17, 2012
Trail Conditions: There was a dusting in places and icy patches right from the beginning on Bunnel Notch Trail, but it wasn't bad. There were a couple of older blowdowns, and one newer one I think. The newer one was a crawl-under and should be removed. There were no other trail obstructions that I remember. Kilkenny Ridge Trail was more snowy and icy, the dusting at altitude was approaching two inches. There was only one small ice floe, though, and it was an easy pass. There were other icy patches, but nothing worrisome. I don't recall any blowdowns, but I did see a few fallen branches from Sandy that were pushed aside. There were muddy patches on both trails, and some water, but it was mostly frozen enough to support a hiker's weight so the trails were fairly neat. The crossing at the beginning was easy depending on which route; one way had an ice-covered rock in the middle, the other (upstream passage) was ice-free. All other trickle crossings were simple step-overs/hops.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were optional. Some in my group wore them when we encountered ice up high, others didn't. I never put mine on and never felt uncomfortable. I strongly suggest taking them, though, and using them if you're at all nervous on the trail. Trekking poles were helpful with balance, especially for the crossing. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked this one with a great group of people I led for The Northeast Peakbaggers Meetup group -- 10 folks total, myself included. Very nice folks and we all had a terrific time. Nice weather and views, too. While we did meet a few others near the summit, the mountain was pretty much ours for the day.
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
Trail Conditions: There was a dusting in places and icy patches right from the beginning on Bunnel Notch Trail, but it wasn't bad. There were a couple of older blowdowns, and one newer one I think. The newer one was a crawl-under and should be removed. There were no other trail obstructions that I remember. Kilkenny Ridge Trail was more snowy and icy, the dusting at altitude was approaching two inches. There was only one small ice floe, though, and it was an easy pass. There were other icy patches, but nothing worrisome. I don't recall any blowdowns, but I did see a few fallen branches from Sandy that were pushed aside. There were muddy patches on both trails, and some water, but it was mostly frozen enough to support a hiker's weight so the trails were fairly neat. The crossing at the beginning was easy depending on which route; one way had an ice-covered rock in the middle, the other (upstream passage) was ice-free. All other trickle crossings were simple step-overs/hops.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were optional. Some in my group wore them when we encountered ice up high, others didn't. I never put mine on and never felt uncomfortable. I strongly suggest taking them, though, and using them if you're at all nervous on the trail. Trekking poles were helpful with balance, especially for the crossing. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked this one with a great group of people I led for The Northeast Peakbaggers Meetup group -- 10 folks total, myself included. Very nice folks and we all had a terrific time. Nice weather and views, too. While we did meet a few others near the summit, the mountain was pretty much ours for the day.
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
