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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, NH
Trails
Trails: Blueberry Ledge Trail, Blueberry Ledge Cutoff, Dicey's Mill Trail, Tom Wiggin Trail, Rollins Trail, Walden Trail, Wonalancet Range Trail, Shortcut, Old Mast Road
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: NH113 and NH113A are very rough in some spots. Plenty of room at the Ferncroft lot today. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The crossing on Tom Wiggin Tr was easy as the water was low and the rocks had snow but no ice. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The trails were in good shape over all. There were a couple trees down on Blueberry Ledge Tr above the Tom Wiggin junction and a couple more down along the Walden Tr. There was also a tangled mess of a tree top down on the trail just below the wilderness sign on the Wonalancet Range Tr. They were all larger than 6" in diameter and while easy to navigate now, they might become a problem as the snow depth increases. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: The ledges on Blueberry Ledge Tr could be a problem for some dogs this time of year with the snow and ice. Know your dog's capabilities before attempting this. Marlie handled them like a pro with nothing more than me pointing the way to go. Despite her short hair, she loves the snow. We didn't see any other dogs on the trails today but Marlie did score some treats from a nice lady on the summit of Passaconaway. 
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: We decided to take this unconventional route seeking solitude and a little redlining. I couldn't remember if I had ever been across the bridge between Blueberry Ledge Cutoff and Dicey's Mill Tr, and I had been to Mt Wonalancet twice but never taken the Shortcut. The Tom Wiggin Tr was still steep but the loose ground was frozen and seemed somewhat better than in the summer. A few spots required some upper body strength as the snow and leaf cover made traction a little difficult. The ledges on Blueberry Ledge Tr were still mostly clear but did have snow and ice in the shade near the edges. I carried Microspikes but never bothered to put them on as they would have taken a good beating on the rocks. The Walden Tr had some icy spots leaving the summit of Passaconaway and there were a couple more spots near the bottom of the Wonalancet Range Tr. Good boot tread and careful foot placement is all that was needed as the icy spots were few and far between. Snow depth averaged 1-2 inches. Lots of friendly people on the somewhat crowded summit of Passaconaway today.

12 mi 4400' elev+ 7 hr 15 min  
Name
Name: IQuest 
E-Mail
E-Mail: iandanner@hotmail com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2014-11-16 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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