Sawyer River Trail from the Kanc

[Stash]

Has anyone been on Sawyer River Trail starting from the Kanc? Thinking of hitting Carrigan from that direction next week with an overnight somewhere along the way. Book states the crossing of the Swift River is "difficult in high water". How is it in winter?

Thanks!

 

[sardog1]

Has anyone been on Sawyer River Trail starting from the Kanc? Thinking of hitting Carrigan from that direction next week with an overnight somewhere along the way. Book states the crossing of the Swift River is "difficult in high water". How is it in winter?

Thanks!

When winter returns in December I'll let you know. Right now I'd bring a bridging team from the Corps of Engineers:

Plymouth State Climate Summary for February 2009.

Seriously, I'd expect high water and very poor crossing conditions. I haven't been up there recently, but it's been awfully warm the last couple of days.

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

I believe (never hiked in the area!) that the Upper Nanamocomuck XC ski trail, starting at Lily Pond, has a bridge that can be used to bypass that crossing.

Ice bridges will be iffy after the short but intense thaw we are going through

 

[MadRiver]

Last weekend the snow bridge over the first water crossing was intact. Not sure now after the warm weather. You might have to take the bushwhack that bypasses the brook crossing. The road itself was fine. Although with the warming and refreezing it might be a skating rink. By the way, DO NOT follow the tracks from the parking lot into the woods. Go straight to the road.

oops, sorry I just reread your post and I came in from 302. Never mind!

 

[DougPaul]

You can also approach from Bear Notch Rd just N of where it crosses the Swift. (Start on the obvious logging road.) Trails and logging roads lead to Sawyer Pond Tr or you can get to the Sawyer River Tr just N of where it crosses the Swift.

Also useful as an escape route if you get caught N of the Swift.

Doug

 

[RoySwkr]

I believe (never hiked in the area!) that the Upper Nanamocomuck XC ski trail, starting at Lily Pond, has a bridge that can be used to bypass that crossing.

ME is correct, that is slightly longer but avoids the crossing.

I've done the crossing twice in winter, it was iced over both times. The first time we got to The Captain and back with no trouble, the second time I broke through and got wet enough that after I went back to the car and changed clothes I decided to go elsewhere. I heard a story about a couple who had to ford it waist-deep when they returned from a Feb hike so keep the advice above in mind if if it is OK going out.

 

[Stash]

I believe (never hiked in the area!) that the Upper Nanamocomuck XC ski trail, starting at Lily Pond, has a bridge that can be used to bypass that crossing.

Ice bridges will be iffy after the short but intense thaw we are going through

I agree on the ice bridges. Especially with the weight of the snow I was pulling off my roof today to resolve ice dam problems

We'll likely look into the Lily Pond option if the foot bridge is still there...