| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Old Kinsman Notch, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Reel Brook Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 8, 2011 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for four, maybe five cars at Reel Brook trailhead. Note: The entrance is very rocky, and low-clearance vehicles will have trouble getting in. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings rock-hoppable today, including the three on Reel Brook. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several step-overs and walk-unders. About two-thirds up the steep section of the Reel Brook Trail there's a huge blowdown that's fortunately parallel to the trail, not across it. We cut away lots hanging branches and cleared several minor blowdowns up and down the route. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Mud to jump in, gushing brooks to splash in, fresh moose poop to snack on, snow to roll in, lots of water to drink and sticks to carry -- what's not to love? Tuckerman and Polly both had a wonderful time today. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not yet. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Considering that the Reel Brook Trail is often wicked muddy, it's in pretty fair shape right now up to 2,500 feet. After that, there's lots of snow to the junction with the Kinsman Ridge Trail, and post-holing is a problem. There's no monorail to speak of -- no surprise, as the RBT is rarely traveled in winter. At the notch (the traditional Kinsman Notch is where the power line crosses Kinsman Ridge -- and where the Northern Pass project would cross too, if approved -- about a mile south of Eliza Brook shelter) we decided to follow the power line bushwhack down to where a spur trail cuts back over to the RBT. This was much easier (and shorter) than retracing our steps, but the power line route (where PSNH has recently done some tree work, I noticed) is extremely boggy most of the way. I had on my knock-off Maine hunting shoes, and my feet stayed dry, but traditional hiking boots would've become quickly soaked. Saw lots of moose sign (but no moose) and some early trilliums of both types -- nice! Great to be back on the trails again after business travel, family obligations, etc., had kept me away for several weekends. Photos to come. |
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 | Name: |
The Feathered Hat |
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 | E-Mail: |
stevebjerklie at yahoo dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2011-05-08 |
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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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