| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Downes Brook Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 9, 2020 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked in the lot just off the Kang. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Very difficult at most of the 10 crossings. I only went as far as the 8th. The first one I was able to hop across slightly upstream without getting wet. The second was tricky, and I bushwacked the west bank before crossing to the east side at crossing three. Crossing 3 has a cairn on the west side. Crossing 4 has an arrow sign on west side leading to the east side, which follows a stream bed into the Sandwich Wilderness (sign). Crossing 5 has a cairn on the east side leading to the west side. Crossing 6 is hoppable. Crossing 7 has a birch tree over the river. Crossing 8 has a sign on the west side, and is hoppable. All crossings are pretty tricky, and I got wet at most of them. Downs Brook is full and slowly swiftly. I wouldn't attempt this trail for quite a while, and if you do, bring poles and several pairs of socks. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many blowdowns. Above the 8th crossing, the trail leads up a steep side slope which is super tricky in a foot of powder. You keep sliding down the bank towards the river. This is where I turned back. Too much snow and too steep a slope. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The crossings would be very difficult with a dog. I do not recommend. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
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|
 | Comments: |
This is an exceptionally hard trail right now, due to the crossings (see above) and deep snow drifts. Snowshoes are required, and even then, the steep side slope of Whiteface is really hard to get up. I wouldn't recommend attempting this trail until the brook empties and the snow melts. |
|
 | Name: |
SipO |
|
 | E-Mail: |
khecht@wesleyan.edu |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-10 |
|
 | 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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