| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bondcliff, Mt. Bond, West Bond, Mt. Guyot, Zealand Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Zeacliff Spur, Zealand Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 9, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand Road was open with 1-2" of powder on it. Noted tire tracks suggesting a car slide off at one point. If we get another snow storm, I would think the gate could be closed. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The Bondcliff Trail crossings were a little tricky, but doable. The Twinway crossings are just starting to ice bridge. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I recollect a few stepovers along the rail grades. Quite a few blowdowns on Bondcliff Trail. One large blowdown just north of Bond that requires bushwhacking to get around. Multiple leaners/duck unders on the West Bond Spur. I recollect a blowdown blocking the Bondcliff Trail immediately above the Guyot Campsite junction. I recollect a few on the Twinway, but don't recall where at this juncture. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
One black glove on a branch near the end of the parking lot end of the Zealand Trail. |
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 | Comments: |
Generally 1-3" of snow throughout, with the exception of some drifting up on the ridge. I barebooted the entire hike, but others found it to be decent Microspiking north of Bond. I only briefly considered putting spikes on for the rocky stretch below the hut, but otherwise never thought about putting them on. Considering the ground is not frozen, some of the packed snow could turn to ice, so it would be a good idea to carry them anyway. Not enough snow yet to think about snowshoes, but one storm could change that.
Trails were generally snow covered throughout, with the exception of some perks and some rocky areas. No issues with Hillary Stumble below Bondcliff (could wipe off the powder). Trickiest part of the day was ascending Bond, as the powder was obscuring the crevasses and rocks. Only drifting of significance was around Guyot, where it was a foot or so deep. Otherwise, the snowpack was pretty steadily 1-3" deep. The floating bog bridges near the Zeacliff Spur are currently frozen in place, so not an issue. Some mud melting through in some places on the Twinway and Zealand Trail. Hut is on caretaker basis now.
Nice weather with blue skies and not much wind (just a little bit above Hellgate on the Bondcliff ridge). Plenty of folks out, but not too busy. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-11-09 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
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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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