| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Oregon Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Carter Gibbs Trail, Oregon Mountain Trail, Elwell Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, December 15, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked in the log landing next to the CGT trailhead on Hardy Country Road in Groton. This road is a bit of an anomaly, as it's designated as Class VI but sees maintenance and gets plowed. No issues driving it. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I counted ten crossings of some sort on this loop. The toughest was right out of the gate with the crossing of Dane Brook at the trailhead. Where the trail crosses wasn't doable, so I went upstream a bit. Finding nothing, I went downstream slightly to behind the log landing / parking where there are larger rocks, some submerged. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Carter Gibbs Trail: No distinct treadway in many locations due to light use, but well-blazed by the maintainer. Even with the blazes, I wandered off trail several times on the way down. A couple of minor blowdowns and a lot of deadfall, especially by the cascades. I removed some of the larger stuff. Oregon Mountain Trail: Several minor blowdowns along the ridge. Elwell Trail: A few minor blowdowns and water running down the trail between Oregon Mountain Trail and Old Dicey Road. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. Tons of water along this route right now. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
A mixed bag along this loop. Mainly bare ground until the cascades, then patchy snow and ice started. It was only present in hardwood areas and on open ledges. Conifer woods were bare. Also lots of wet areas and mud lurking under the leaf cover. Some areas of black ice forming on ledges along the ridge. Waterproof footwear definitely needed today. I barebooted most of this loop, but did use an old pair of spikes descending along the cascades. They weren't absolutely required, but they made it easier. The steep pitch with the rope on CGT was just wet thankfully. If icy, I imagine it would be pretty sketchy, even with the assist. This spot is also where I saw the only other hiker; he was headed down as I was going up. Go figure.
With winds crazy up north, it was a good day to revisit one of my favorite hiking areas. Winds were howling above, but I really never felt cold. It felt quite comfortable actually, perfect hiking temperatures. The cascades along Dane Brook are beautiful right now! |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-12-15 |
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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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