| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 11, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Unpaved, dirt lot had a light dusting of snow but ground was frozen and easily passable even in my small compact car. Only two cars when I arrived at 10:30M and just one when I left around 5:30PM. Was a little concerned about the last car though because I was pretty much the last one out and didn't pass anybody on my way down. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Slush |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Small brook shortly after leaving parking area was essentially dry. The two crossings before reaching the Bald Peak Spur were reasonably low but had icy rocks, unstable ice and light snow cover. Easy but use caution. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails were in pretty good shape and appear to have dodged the impact of the last storm. Mt Kinsman Trail appeared recently blazed and had no issues. Kinsman Ridge Trail had two brief areas descending from North to the North/South col where numerous trees were leaning but hadn't fallen. One spot had an easy "combo" leaner/duck under. Saw a few fresh cut small trees in this area. Minor head room issues in a few spots but not an issue. All in all pretty good conditions. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Trails would be fine for dogs although the numerous ledges on North Kinsman had some hard ice, packed snow and wet snow that would require caution for less experienced dogs. Saw three or four dogs among the dozen or so people I passed on the ridge. |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
none |
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|
 | Comments: |
Typical November hiking with just about every trail condition possible from dry to icy. I barebooted to the KRT although probably would have been a bit faster to have put on spikes after the Bald Peak spur. Wore spikes from KRT junction to both summits and back down past the two river crossings on Mt Kinsman Trail, where I took them off. Definitely helpful on descents and the tricky ledges of North Kinsman, which had a wide variety of slippery conditions. Was glad to see these trails largely unaffected by the last storm. |
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 | Name: |
DayTrip |
|
 | E-Mail: |
bblanchette0709@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-11-12 |
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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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