Question Possible that Base Rd is really open? /Ammo trail query

[carla]

Hi--I looked on the WMNF road closing listing and see that the base road to the Cog station is listed as closed, but then I saw a Trail Conditions posting for Ammo trail to Monroe listed for 12/30 (and I'm also writing to that hiker, but I'm not sure he will get the message right away) and I have to guess that the only way to the Ammo trailhead is via the base road.

Is the WMNF roads listing just plain wrong for this one?

I am hoping to do Ammo to Monroe--I have done this trail in summer, though, and would appreciate any insights on winter ascents/descents.

I'm planning on plastic boots and crampons...(per the trail conditions reports from last weekend, probably not enough snow for snowshoes).

--Carla

 

[Tuco]

We we re at the Cog 12/22 for a Washington ascent. Base road was plowed all the way. It usually is so I am suprised to see it listed as closed. Can't personally confirm that they plowed it since 12/22 however.

If you see snow, which I think you will, the steep sections past gem pool there could be a bit of backsliding unless broken out. Going down, since its so steep, you may want to try sitting- easier than falling all over the place and faster too.

I would bring the snowshoes myself. Its snowed a bit this week and may not be broken out. However, I do know another group going so you may get lucky on that.

 

[dentonfabrics]

They run the cog railway weekends throughout the winter, so Base Rd is opened all the way to the end.


bob

 

[Quietman]

What is showing as closed on the road status listing is the parking lot at the base of the Ammo trail. From what I remember from past posts, the parking lot at the trailhead is uplowed, and parking at the cog lot is available for a fee ($5?)

 

[David Metsky]

the parking lot at the trailhead is uplowed

And gated. This is the USFS parking lot by the base of the Ammy extension.

-dave-

 

[Cath]

A small group of us hiked the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail on 12/22.

The road to Marshfield Station (the base of the Cog) is plowed.
Hikers are asked to park in the lots away from the base building.

On the 22nd, we wore our snowshoes the entire length of the
trail, as there was fabulous snow cover, even on the steeps above Gem Pool.
Skiers & Boarders had already been in the Monroe Brook area, and they smooth out the section from that brook crossing out to the Base station.

A good amount of snow was received in the Whites, during the 12/31 storm, adding to that base The MW Observatory, mentioned (a day or two ago) drifts as tall as a 3 story building in places due to that storm. Enjoy your hike.