| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Middle Sister, Mt. Chocorua, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Carter Ledge Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Piper Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 23, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Stayed overnight at White Ledge Campground so we had no parking. There are minimal spots within the campground proper for day hikers, and there were more than a couple of vehicles on Rt. 16's shoulder. Shouldn't be a problem though. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing to write home about, things are pretty dry. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple areas on Middle Sister are starting to get brushy; nothing that impedes but in a season or two, it'll be into the foot path for sure. The fresh BRIGHT blazes are numerous and vibrant,you will have to try to get off trail. I don't think there were more than 2 blow downs on the entire route, and there's evidence of recent pruning, so whoever you are great job! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
We brought our lab and he did just fine. Also saw many other dogs looking happy as well. Be aware that things are very dry right now so the higher up you go there is minimal water, bring extra. Our guy went through a liter and a half as well as munching on snow up high. Also, the ledges on Carter Ledge required some boosting and if you've got a smaller or less experienced/skittish pup, that way may not be for them. |
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 | Bugs: |
Mosquitoes were vicious below 2200'. Deet and moving constantly kept them at bay, until you got up enough that the breeze kicked in and pushed them off. May call for a head net if you don't want to use high test repellent. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
A bunch of trash, and 2 winter hats that looked like they had been there for a while. Dropped them at the trailhead sign. |
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 | Comments: |
Great to break out of the lockdown routine and get out and about. The whole fam damnily camped at White Ledge for the weekend and tried to do some less popular trails. Going up Carter Ledge was excellent with views for days. The trail is in great shape, although there is a couple inch deep carpet of dry leaves obscuring the footbed and hiding rocks, holes, etc. Watch your step. The ledges provided some nice scrambling, but could be difficult for inexperienced people and dogs. Everything was bone dry so that helped on the rocks as well. Still some patches of snow up high and especially on the north facing trails. Icy monorail in some places too. As noted, views were great and weather was a touch warm, but enjoyable. Coming down Middle Sister was just as nice, with a few muddy sections but nothing crazy.
OK, let me get up on my soapbox for a minute. Please please please adhere to social distancing. Most of the way we didn't run into too many people, and most were aware of trying to keep space while passing on the trails, and some wore masks, but there were some that were all too eager to get close and mingle. At the summit of Chocorua, there were dozens of people congregating, waiting in line to get up the trail, and generally mixing it up. We donned masks for the last 1/2 mile or so where it was impossible to stay 6' away from others and heard a few snarky comments. It's really not that hard people, just do your part. |
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 | Name: |
captainicebeard |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-26 |
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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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