Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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| Trails: |
Ranger Trail, Lamberts Ridge Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, June 24, 2017 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at the combined RT / LRT trailhead on Dorchester-Lyme Road. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
RT wasn't as bad as I remember, but I'm not sure if the maintenance that restarted in 2011 is still happening. Lots of blowdowns, lots of mud and in dire need of brushing. LRT was in better shape as it's a segment of the AT, but it needs brushing in the hardwood section along the ridge. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. |
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| Bugs: |
A weird combo. Mosquitoes down lower along RT, then nothing higher up. Black flies at the summit and then LOTS of black flies along LRT. We also picked up three ticks between us. |
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| Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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| Comments: |
A great day on Smarts to help a friend with her 52WAV list. We did the loop counterclockwise to take advantage of the easy grades up the RT. Lots and lots of mud on this trail, which is usually wet anyway. Weather cleared out nicely so views from the fire tower were great. We had a quiet lunch inside the cabin to escape the bugs. LRT was nicer than I remember, a really pleasant and scenic trail. This half of the trip was drier due to the sun and breeze. A very quiet day on these trails. We only saw about a half dozen people, including one thru-hiker and one AT section hiker who had started on Mt. Greylock in MA. |
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| Name: |
KenM |
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| E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-06-24 |
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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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