| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Rand Mountain, Mt. Klem, Mt. Mack, Mt. Anna, Straightback Mountain, Mt. Major, North Straightback Mountain, East Quarry Mountain, West Quarry Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Logging roads, Old Clough Road, Dave Roberts Quarry Trail, Klem-Mack Loop, Mack-Anna Trail, Anna-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, Quarry Spur Trail, Quarry Bypass |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, April 8, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The new Quarry Mountain trailhead on Reed Road was not plowed...however there is a pull-off a short distance beyond with enough parking for two vehicles. Mine was the only one here today. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A couple of the smaller crossings here were tricky due to softening snow. At a couple of other places water was running underneath the snow on the trail and provided a surprise when I punched through. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Just a handful of branches down along this route. The BRATTs always do a fantastic job in this area with signage, blazing and maintenance. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw one between South Straightback and Major which seemed to be doing well. |
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 | Bugs: |
Snowfleas...almost the entire way. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
I was in search of a spring hike and I got it here...for better or worse. I'd say the snowpack averages 6-12" with some spots more and others less. This morning the snow has a bit of a crunch on top but became very soft and heavy as the day wore on. Walking around the parking area I determined snowshoes would be the way to go and I was VERY glad I did as they stayed on the entire trip. One fellow I crossed paths with between Mack and Anna doing the BRT traverse wished he had them - and left some good postholes behind to warrant it. Most of these trails had seen some recent traffic - and most of that was a lone snowshoe track. The trail between South Straightback and Major was a postholed mess in spots while the Quarry Trail west of West Quarry hadn't seen any recent activity. Coming off of West Quarry there was zero chance I was going to descend the steeps and opted for the by-pass. The softening snow made for some difficult descents and maddening ascents of other short, steep sections encountered.
Other than the BRT hiker and a dozen or so folks in the Major/South Straightback area I didn't see anyone else today. This route provided a number of unique views along the way as well as shelter from the wind. Despite the full on shoulder season trail conditions it was still a fun trek and a fine day to be out. |
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 | Name: |
HMJ |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-04-08 |
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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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