| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lambert Ridge Trail, Smarts Ranger Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked our two cars at the edge of the trailhead, just staying off the road. The parking lot, which could normally hold 6-8 cars?) was more like a pond, with thick mud and ice along the edges. Even with 4WD, it looked like there was a good chance of getting stuck. It should be noted that there is a sign stating that parking along the road is not allowed. There is also a pullout that could fit about 4-5 cars about a 1/4 mile west and downhill of the trailhead. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The two crossings on Smarts Ranger were running well, but easily rock-hopped |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some blowdowns in a spot just south of the summit was tricky to go through, despite branches being cut |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Good dog hike, except perhaps for the one spot that has some iron rungs. That section can be bypassed by a well established herd path. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The Lambert Ridge Trail was snow free until about 2,200 feet and then required spikes on and off for a while. Above 2,700 feet, good spikes were mandatory. There was some serious ice, including a few major ice bulges. Thankfully, the ice was a bit soft. Make sure you have good spikes for this. Rock spikes would not be enough up high, but would be suitable for lower elevations. There was snow in several spots, but the monorail held very firm. There was not quite enough snow for snowshoes, except near the summit. The only times we postholed were at the summit, where there was a blowdown spot and the short stretch between the fire tower and the cabin. The Smarts Ranger Trail first started with snow and ice and then disappeared for a bit, only to return at lower elevations. There was snow and ice down to about 1,200 feet, although it is going fast. The monorail held firm here, too. Smarts Ranger also features water running down the trail, slick and wet rock slabs, boot sucking mud and rough terrain. There was one spot where briefly lost the trail, in an area with two some small streams converging. In that case, we went a bit too far to the right, but should have stayed left. Smarts Ranger is really a crazy trail. Overall, this was a very interesting hike, despite having no views today. |
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 | Name: |
Marty |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-01 |
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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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