| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cabot, NH |
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 | Trails: |
York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, December 2, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
York Pond Road was a bit slippery. We were the only car parked by the fish hatchery. Passed the gate just past 4pm and it was still open. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Slush, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Many open and running, but no major issues - traction definitely needed for one mostly iced over on lower Bunnell Notch Trail before the left turn uphill |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Overall trails in good shape - few stepovers but nothing terrible. Bunnell Notch Trail could definitely use some fresh blazes - there were no recent tracks to follow today and with snow completely everything, there were a few places where the trail was tricky to follow. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Hannah had a good day - no issues with the terrain, comfortable temps and plenty of water. |
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 | Bugs: |
Did see a few buzzing near some muddy sections on Bunnell Notch Trail - not expected for December! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Saw one fleece glove on a branch on the lower Kilkenny Ridge Trail. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Started with 2-4" soft unpacked snow in the morning, increased to 5-6" of wet snow near Bunnell Notch and 8+" in places of soft snow and deep slush near the summit. We put microspikes on for the river crossing mentioned above and left them on until the same crossing on the way down - definitely had wet snow balling up under our boots at times, but there were enough hard packed spots where we felt more comfortable with them on - others may have probably been comfortable not wearing them at all though.
We had a hard time following the Bunnell Notch Trail in a few places on the way up the gully section because of minimal blazing and no previous tracks to follow, and missed a turn to the right up an incline - we ended up on a small stream bed parallel to the trail for 40-50 yards. It was easier to follow the actual trail on the way down and we put a log across to block the wrong section, but it may get covered in snow soon. Following the pink ties on the trees ended up being helpful because as mentioned above, blazes are scarce. Felt like spring on the way down - lots of melting snow and slush and plenty dripping off the trees. Some gusty winds near the summit, otherwise no wind to speak of. It ended up being a very decent day in the far north - the sun poked through a number of times, very good views up high, and no precip until we were less than 10 minutes from the car. Great day out with Ali and Hannah - we had the trails to ourselves! |
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 | Name: |
Hikes with Hannah |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-12-02 |
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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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