| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow - Wet/Sticky |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The water crossings are hidden under snow. A number of people got wet feet and shins crossing some of these hidden brooks. Nothing more than shin deep. You shouldn't have too much of a problem if you watch your footing. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trail was easy to follow, bright blue blazes lead the way (and bright yellow blazes if you are going to bald peak). There were two blowdowns on the trail, one walk over and one walk around. Both have been there a while; neither will cause you any problems. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
If your dog likes the snow, hiking up to North Kinsman should be okay. Most of the trail is moderate, ascending gradually until you get to the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Here your dog may need help getting up and over (and down) icy, snow-covered, boulders. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Found this spider on a snowy boulder at 3000 feet. :) http://bugguide.net/node/view/1159147/bgimage |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Thanks Larry for finding my dog's collar :D <3. |
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|
 | Comments: |
There is 4-6 inches of snow on the trail making it a comfortable and beautiful hike. Watch your step, there are several areas where the water is hidden under thin snow bridges. Test with your hiking pole before crossing. The trail ascends gradually until you reach the Kinsman Ridge Trail, then your heart starts pumping. I was wearing Hillsound trail crampons. I did not feel they were adequate for this section of the trail. There is black ice covered with snow on the rock scrambles. My spikes (new - not dull) did not penetrate it. The snow is not deep enough to keep snow shoes from getting stuck in the rocks, so I never took them out of my pack. I spoke to some hikers wearing crampons. They were happy they had them, even with the occasional 'stuck in a root' situations.
I started to head over to South Kinsman but without crampons, and the limited daylight, I made the correct decision to head back down. I got back to the parking lot before the weather turned from cloudy to icy rain and snow.
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|
 | Name: |
solowoodlandwanderer |
|
 | E-Mail: |
bugsandthings@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2015-12-31 |
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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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