| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Forest Discovery Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, January 4, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Nice big parking lot. it is unplowed, but those vehicles with great traction can drive in. We parked on the side of the road (Kancamaugus Highway) within the white line on the side of the road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Wet/Sticky |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
One bridged. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Two blowdowns. First one is about 5 minutes into the trail; a simple stepover. The other is on the riparian loop. The way this winter is going, short people can simply pass under it (normal winter they will need to duck, like everyone else). Signage good and informative. Nice benches throughout. Thanks, Forest Service! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one happy dog with his/her people. Seems like a good hike for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
One of the informative signs mentions listening to the forest; birds, buzzing insects, etc. And we actually saw two flying bugs. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Crappy weather forecast for southern NH and MA, but supposedly just clouds and some light snow for the north. Poured most of the way up, but we rolled the dice and won. Very light mist in Lincoln, decided to check this place out. What a gem!
Good for everyone. A nice short woods walk for people used to more strenuous hikes, good walk for others, a nice informative walk. More informative than I had anticipated; frequently placed signs taught about forest succession, management, etc. Much more than signs on trees telling you their names. There is even a mini clearing - showing how areas and trees are selected for harvest, benefits to certain animals, etc. There is a pamphlet at the beginning giving even more info. hiking clockwise will correspond to the info in the pamphlet, but that is not the only reason to go in this direction. Doing so gives better views - you ascend to a meadow like clearing and then gradually descend to another clearing. Going this direction gives a good view of the mountains across the road. Riparian loop is pretty.
BIG description for such a short hike! If you're camping at Big Rock, this is a 10th of a mile away, you can walk to it. There is a bathroom and it is open. Did not see a fee sign, I thought if they gave you a bathroom a fee would be required (we have the sticker, so we were all set).
Saw one hiker on his way out when we started, two folks with their dog later, and all wore snow shoes. Not absolutely necessary, but keeps things nice and (in our case) gets you used to wearing them again. |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-01-04 |
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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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