| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Engine Hill, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Rocky Branch Trailhead parking on Route 16 is large and there was just one car there (I suspect people camping since there were no tracks in the snow and the car was gone when I returned). |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
all easily rock hop-able |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are no blazes on the Rocky Branch Trail, not even to the Wilderness Boundary. Trail is clear and there are few stone steps but could use a thousand more.... |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
sure why not |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
There was no snow at the trailhead in the morning other than a trace, I think it may have snowed a little last night at higher elevations. Lovely obstructed views East and South along the Rocky Branch Trail below the Wilderness boundary. About an half an inch, maybe an inch of snow above 2000 feet, rocks in trail stuck up and were dry and grippy. There was no ice. After passing the boundary sign I jumped into the woods and headed straight for the summit. I zigged and zagged trying to avoid blow downs and anything thick, I managed pretty well. I think I hit a few herd paths. Snow never got any deeper than two inches of dry fluff. I liked the colder temperature and the sunshine. At the open ledgy wind blown area that I am sure must have a fine vista but white fluffy clouds were low at 3500 feet blocking stunning vistas of nearby big peaks. I zigged zagged about the summit area and walked past the register three times (it is near that rock in an open area, not directly on the highpoint bump). I had a fun time walking around the broad summit, not the most open woods but nice woods and the going was nice. I zoomed off the summit following my tracks in the snow back to the trail. Terrific taste of winter to come. |
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 | Name: |
Nordic Gal |
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 | E-Mail: |
amybike@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-10-26 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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