| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Square Ledge (attempt), Wonalancet Hedgehog, Hibbard Mountain, Mt. Wonalancet, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Old Mast Road, Square Ledge Trail, Walden Trail, Wonalancet Range Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 24, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issue parking in the Ferncroft lot when we arrived. Lot was full and cars were lining the street on our way out. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Small crossings on Square Ledge Trail we’re rock hoppable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Thanks to whoever has cut some fallen trees from the path on Square Ledge Trail; it was the only way we knew we were on the trail at some parts! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one good dog. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some black flies on the ridge, not a big deal and not much else. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The goal today was some 52wav peaks and hoping to stay below the snow. All the trails we took today were dry and free of snow except for some patches here and there on Walden (can only speak to Walden below 3000ft) which were avoidable. Old Mast Road was gentle and lovely. Square Ledge Trail felt like a true wilderness trail! We found it tough to follow in many spots, particularly between the four way junction and the second brook crossing. I doubt many people have used the section between the four way junction and the junction with the branch trail from Oliverian Brook since the snow melt. Blazes were few and far between, in keeping with wilderness standards, so keep a good eye particularly in the hardwoods below the boulder field. We approached Square Ledge as far as a quarter mile from the junction with the branch trail but could hear the peregrine falcons very loudly so decided to leave the wildlife alone and turn around. Nesting is generally till early August so we’ll return when they’re no longer on the ledge. Square Ledge Trail back up to Walden was a little easier since now we knew what to look for. Walden Trail’s steep scrambles were just enough to make the ascent fun and interesting without completely wiping us out. Once on the ridge after the steeper pitches, we encountered our only real snowy patches of the day. There was some thinner monorail here and there but it was all completely avoidable. Wonalancet Trail was gentle from the junction with Walden Trail and pretty easy from the summit of Hibbard as well. Mount Wonalancet’s summit is honestly so unremarkable we didn’t realize we passed it until we were well on our descent! Take care on the steep decent; the leaves hide the boulders well and could make for a slippery surprise. The hemlock forest right before rejoining Old Mast Road was a gorgeous treat to end the day. Saw only 7 people the whole day, aside from everyone in the crowded lot heading to Whiteface and Passaconaway. |
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 | Name: |
Bre Dionne |
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 | E-Mail: |
bredionne@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-24 |
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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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