Ed'n Lauky
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- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
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We found the trailhead without any problem. It was clearly marked with a large "Hiking Trails" sign. It had been about seven years since I was last there back when Duffy and I were working on the NEHH. That worked against me a bit as I was sure I remembered a kiosk and trailhead to the right of the parking lot and it wasn't there. I drove on up the road to the end of the park and came back only to discover that the lot had been plowed clearing all snow from the left and pushing up a large mound on the right. Bottom line, to find the trail climb up over the mound and you will find the kiosk and trailhead.
The trail itself was well broken out. Early in the morning the snow was hardpack. Eyebrow had also been broken out but had not seen as much traffic.
Stream crossings were all bridged. The trail was easy to follow as it had been broken out, but I wondered some times how difficult it might be, especially in the more open sections, after a fresh storm as I did not see a lot of trail markings. It is true, thought, that the white AT markings don't always show up well in the winter.
I had a lot of trouble with balling from 3000' to the summit. This was especially true on the way down. Below 3000' it wasn't a problem both ascending and descending. Lauky, though, had no problem with balling during the entire hike.
The snow was very deep above 3500' and you found yourself pushing through and ducking under branches. The last 3 tenths of a mile to the summit was very tedious as you had to walk bent over to get through.
From the summit the Grafton Loop trail had been broken out by someone on snowshoes.
The views from the top of the tower are good and there is one open ledge shortly before the summit that had breathtaking views.
There are a number of significant PUDS on this trail which seemed a whole lot more noticeable on the way back down.
On paper this hike would seem to be comparable to Waumbek, but in actuality I found it a good bit more difficult.
The parking lot is really only half plowed, the left side, and there are many snowmobilers that use it so while it was almost empty when we arrived, it was overflowing onto the highway when we got back.
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The trail itself was well broken out. Early in the morning the snow was hardpack. Eyebrow had also been broken out but had not seen as much traffic.
Stream crossings were all bridged. The trail was easy to follow as it had been broken out, but I wondered some times how difficult it might be, especially in the more open sections, after a fresh storm as I did not see a lot of trail markings. It is true, thought, that the white AT markings don't always show up well in the winter.
I had a lot of trouble with balling from 3000' to the summit. This was especially true on the way down. Below 3000' it wasn't a problem both ascending and descending. Lauky, though, had no problem with balling during the entire hike.
The snow was very deep above 3500' and you found yourself pushing through and ducking under branches. The last 3 tenths of a mile to the summit was very tedious as you had to walk bent over to get through.
From the summit the Grafton Loop trail had been broken out by someone on snowshoes.
The views from the top of the tower are good and there is one open ledge shortly before the summit that had breathtaking views.
There are a number of significant PUDS on this trail which seemed a whole lot more noticeable on the way back down.
On paper this hike would seem to be comparable to Waumbek, but in actuality I found it a good bit more difficult.
The parking lot is really only half plowed, the left side, and there are many snowmobilers that use it so while it was almost empty when we arrived, it was overflowing onto the highway when we got back.
[email protected]
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