| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Chocorua, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Champney Falls Trail, Piper Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, January 7, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
kanc parking lot plowed |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
small if any |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
no blow downs, couple of hangers but no issues |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
initially i was going we were going to head up Piper Trail, but the homeowner next to the parking lot, who apparently plows the lot, was charging a fee and i had already purchased my 7 day pass. I attempted to seek someone out, but did not want to wake anyone there at the cabin at 8am, so we went to the Ranger Station to use the restroom and mentioned the situation. She stated that the Forest Service does not plow Piper parking lot but was clearly perturbed that these folks had a sign up attempting to charge a fee. We decided to use Champney instead and are thrilled for doing so. The narrow trail was packed and we did not want to use snow shoes and left them in the car. Looking at Piper at the junction of Champney we knew we made the right decision as Piper was not packed. Champney Falls Trail to Piper to the treeline was very good all the way. Sorel boots with Kahtoola micro spikes and we were golden. Above treeline was crusty ice and some post holing but not really bad at all other than no visible trail.
Having been to Chocorua many times on Champney I knew the way, but it could have been difficult for someone who may not know other than seeing the next big granite boulder to ascend until you reach the summit. I am a slow hiker with asthma and summitted in 3:50 with many breathers on the way up and a 15-20 minute stop for gear change at the treeline. Descent was done in 1:50 with a 15 stop for gear change again at treeline. All in all a 6 hour rt with an additional 20 minute lunch on the summit. Mostly clear blue skies with sun and a base temp of 26-28 degrees and a summit temp of approximately 20 degrees and almost no wind. |
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 | Name: |
Michael Mason |
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 | E-Mail: |
michaelgmason@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-01-07 |
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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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