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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH
Trails
Trails: Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, April 5, 2020
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: It should be noted that Lafayette Place Campground is now CLOSED / barricaded. NO ENTRY Southbound side. Plenty of spots off 116. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes, Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: First crossing is hoppable, the remining ones where bridged but rotting and likely will not survive the next few days. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Mt. Kinsman Trail is in fine shape, evidence of some recent axe work. The waterbars/streams feeding the culvers adjacent to the trail before the WMNF boundary could use some cultivator love as they are completely clogged with leaves. I spent about an hour with my trek pole clearing one of them. I am weird, I find that so satisfying! 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: A few doggoes out today 
Bugs
Bugs: Mosquitos are making their first apperances  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing was lost, nothing was found 
 
Comments
Comments: This was my first time on the Mt. Kinsman trail and it was an absolute delightful day. I will remark on my trip out, as with springtime, conditions are different in the afternoon!

From the Trailhead to about the WMNF Boundary is mainly dry, with some minor mud. From the boundary to the first water crossing is more mud/standing water, but more or less devoid of snow (avoidable). From the first water crossing (easily hoppable but noticibly more swollen on the way out), spikes woulf suffice to about Bald Peak junction. It is more or less frozen blue ice with standing water on top. I had spikes on till about 3000 feet when I switched to snowshoes as snow consistency and trail grade made that an easy choice. I kept them on to South Kinsman and back. The ridge itself is actually quite solid. I would still bring your snowshoes as with warm weather and rain in the forecast, it will make your life so much easier. Stunning view from North and South, could see into maine and vermont.

Several bare booters, some with light traction... I mean I love cheap thrills and all but for the love of god, don't be a postholio. Bring your snowshoes!  
Name
Name: The Teal Goat 
E-Mail
E-Mail: sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2020-04-05 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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