| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, December 22, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The combined lot for both trails on Dorchester Rd. in Lyme was plowed, but was also a thick, solid sheet of ice. Spikes went on right at the car. I was the only vehicle here today. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of Grant Brook on Ranger Trail wasn't possible where the trail actually crosses, but behind the old fire warden's garage there are plenty of rocks to step on. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Lambert Ridge is in generally good shape with a few minor blowdowns. Ranger continues to be in poor condition with loads of blowdowns and a lot of water on the trail. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I probably would have left them home today. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Snow cover too thin for shoes, I went with spikes round trip. No real issues until the last half mile where both trails coincide to the summit. Lots of ice in the steep last half mile, and full crampons would not have been overkill. All of the rungs were encased in ice except for one; I bailed into the woods around this section. On the descent, it was quite slippery as the snow was no longer bonding to the ice due to the warmer temps.
Descending Ranger was somewhat tedious with sticky snow balling up and the overall poor trail conditions. Lots of breakable ice under the snow, and then water under the ice. There were several surprise drops.
Great views from the fire tower and the assorted ledges along Lambert Ridge. I only encountered two other people, trail runners with no gear who had come up J Trail. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-12-22 |
|
 | 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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