| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, December 20, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot is icy beneath 1-2 inches of new snow, but we had no issues. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The 3 stream crossings were mostly frozen and easy to negotiate |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is in great condition the whole way, a tribute to Bruce's high standards and diligence as adopter and trail maintainer of the Mt. Kinsman Trail |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Eva had a great day and did fine with single digit temps and high winds at times |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
1-2 inches of snow at the trailhead, gradually increasing to about 6 inches on the ridge. We expected more significant snow up high. I used Hillsound spikes the whole way, Michele wore snowshoes the whole way, and Dick used Hillsounds for the top half only and barebooted the lower half. Spikes were adequate today. The first 2 miles are very boney, with plentiful rocks and roots as tripping hazards partially covered by the snow (need more snow!). Plenty of ice lurks just beneath the thin snow cover throughout the steeps of the Mt. Kinsman Trail. Some minor drifting on the ridge close to South Peak. 3 stream crossings are mostly frozen and easy to negotiate. Zero degrees to start, blustery winds up high approx 25 mph max. A beautiful blue-sky day to be out, with perfect Franconia Ridge views from the Kinsman Ridge. Someone had only broken trail as far as Bald Peak, and we broke out the remaining part to the ridge. Ridge had been traversed by others the previous day, up from the east. Had the trails to ourselves today, only 1 gal seen very late in the day. |
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 | Name: |
Donna D |
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 | E-Mail: |
winnie@vermontel.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-12-20 |
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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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