| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Pico Peak, VT |
|
 | Trails: |
Sherburne Pass Trail, Pico Link, Long Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We spotted a few cars at the LT trailhead on Rt. 4 and drove up the road to the SPT trailhead to start the hike. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
SPT has a large cluster of blowdowns beyond where the trail reenters the woods after popping out on the ski trail. This cluster completely blocks the trail and a herd path leads around it. A couple of minor blowdowns on the LT. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Bottle of whiskey at Pico Camp with a little in it. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Group of seven, up SPT and down LT. This has to be the easiest NEHH peak and "almost 4,000 footer" ever. Both trails offer mostly easy grades with good footing the entire way. Only PL has any steepness or roughness to it, and it's short-lived.
Snow started right from the parking area. A trace to start with to 1-2 inches at the summit. Lots of ice lurking under the snow made for slippery footing and a couple of small tumbles. We all carried light traction. Some of us barebooted up, others switched to spikes. There really was no right footwear choice. I wore spikes to about halfway down, then went back to boots as the spikes were just balling up.
The summit highpoint is an uplifted ledge marked with a blue blaze. In deep snow this will be buried, but look for two water pipes nearby.
Descent via the LT was loooooooong and very gradual, passing through two very impressive blowdown patches along the way. One higher up in the spruces, another lower down in the hardwoods where massive trees have been toppled.
Crews are at work getting the ski area ready for business. Snow guns were roaring across the way at Killington. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2017-11-15 |
|
 | 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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