Sandwich Mountain Trail

[ChacoTaco]

Anyone know how the trail is going up? Thinking about going out on Sunday and wanted to check to see how the conditions are.

 

[TDawg]

More like ice conditions with this winter so far.

Haven't been up that specific trail, but live down the road. The mountains have been receiving a snow shower or two the last couple days, but nothing that would add up to needing snowshoes yet in this area. I'd guess you'd be good with microspikes or an equivalent light traction.

Reports from 4kers in WV indicate just that. Enjoy.

Edit: The trail itself is fairly steep up towards Noon Peak and has some ledge that I can remember. Perhaps it could be a little icy in that section, but I've never made a winter ascent. It's a nice climb, tho. Be sure to take the spur to Jennings if views are available.

 

[ChacoTaco]

More like ice conditions with this winter so far.

Haven't been up that specific trail, but live down the road. The mountains have been receiving a snow shower or two the last couple days, but nothing that would add up to needing snowshoes yet in this area. I'd guess you'd be good with microspikes or an equivalent light traction.

Reports from 4kers in WV indicate just that. Enjoy.

Edit: The trail itself is fairly steep up towards Noon Peak and has some ledge that I can remember. Perhaps it could be a little icy in that section, but I've never made a winter ascent. It's a nice climb, tho. Be sure to take the spur to Jennings if views are available.

I have Yaktraks and have always been fine with them. May pic up some Micros on the way out if I go. Ill probably get up early Sun am and drive up. Leave about 530 or so be on trail by 7.

 

[ChacoTaco]

Open to suggestions

Ok, I have microspikes. I get off work early tomorrow and was thinking about packing tonite and leaving straight from work towards the Waterville Valley/ Lincoln N Woodstock area. Is Lafayette Campground open? May go and try to set up somewhere and get a feel for my gear and possibly hike in somewhere. Supposed to snow some. Open to suggestions of some good winter spots to camp either car or woods.

PS I feel really good about my gear situation and my snow experience. I know its The Whites, as everyone keeps reminding, but Im getting a little antsy.

 

[JacobH]

Sorry I'm late to this thread. A friend and I did the SMT/Drake's Brook loop last November. It was not icy at the time, but it certainly had the potential to be. The trail starts off relatively gently, but there is a very steep section. Once you reach "Noon Peak" (very nice ledge walk) I think you're out of the woods, so to speak, with regards to steepness.

Also, I second taking the spur to Jennings. IIRC, the views from there are more wide open than the actual summit of Sandwich (which also has nice views as well). Both are great destinations for the trek.

There really isn't too much exposure on the trail. I wouldn't get too antsy if you know you're prepared. Also, I'm not sure of the rules of the Sandwich Wilderness, but if I'm remembering correctly, you could probably find some good camping spots low on the Drake's Brook trail. I recall it being quite open and flat (and beautiful, with solitude).

Found a good link to a TR from Mr. Ellozy: http://www.geocities.com/nhfours/sandwich-winter.html

 

[ChacoTaco]

Thanks, I meant more that I am antsy as in, I could use a night in the woods. My wife is away with work for the weekend, we have no kids, YET. Im pretty comfortable with gear, I think after some hand warmers and extra fuel, I could stay nice and toasty.

 

[JacobH]

Thanks, I meant more that I am antsy as in, I could use a night in the woods. My wife is away with work for the weekend, we have no kids, YET. Im pretty comfortable with gear, I think after some hand warmers and extra fuel, I could stay nice and toasty.

Ah, I'm with you now. Friday can't end quick enough!

According to this thread, there's no 1/4 mile rule for camping in the Sandwich Range Wilderness. So if you're considering it, the option to camp off the trail you plan on hiking is there.

http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40408

 

[freighttrain48]

hancock campsite is pretty popular in the winter on the Kanc. From what I hear its not as windy as lafayette campground

ps just so you know this is the white mountains we are talking about sure your ready?

 

[ChacoTaco]

Im thinking about heading out to the Drake Brook then, totally do able. It is supposed to snow a few inches in the next 48 hours so I may see some powder, hopefully! Im ready for the snow actually, bring it!

Should I get some crampons? Haven't bought any yet.

 

[ChacoTaco]

took my microspikes back, went with some Hillsound Trail Crampons and think that these will do just great. Not quite full crampon but not microspikes.

 

[DougPaul]

took my microspikes back, went with some Hillsound Trail Crampons and think that these will do just great. Not quite full crampon but not microspikes.

IMO, they serve somewhat different purposes...

Microspikes/Stabilicers are good on easy ice and crusty snow but can also be worn on bare trail/rocks without too much damage.

Crampons also work well on easy ice and crusty snow and also well on harder ice and snow. They will be damaged by walking on bare trails and rocks.

So I try to use the Microspikes/Stabilicers in mixed conditions and save my crampons for pure ice and snow.

Doug

 

[ChacoTaco]

Just got off of work. Been fighting a small cold for a couple of days so instead of driving up tonite and sleep in the woods and, possibly, come down with a fever ,going to go to bed early tonite and drive up early, may try and leave between 4 and 5 in the am, take the hour drive up and, hopefully, have a nice blanket of snow to walk on! If any one is interested in a morning hike up Sandwich, I drive an orange Kia and should be up no later than 6am. Going to go up Drakes Brook and down Sandwich Mtn with side to Jennings. Be cool to hike with some of you sometime. Im loving Hew Hampshire!