| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Shaw, Big Ball Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mt. Shaw Trail, Black Snout Trail, High Ridge Trail, Banana Trail, Tate Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking area is unmarked as a trailhead (there was some other signage in the parking area). It is just east of Sodom Road on route 171. The parking area had space for about 7 or 8 vehicles. We were the first two vehicles there at 7:30 am. Two other vehicles were there by noon. Parking lot was frozen over, but was not icy. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Crossings on Mt. Shaw Trail were fairly easy rock hops today. At least one would be difficult in high water situations. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple of large blowdowns that were fairly easy climb overs. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Easy hike for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Went up Mt. Shaw Trail, which has no trailhead signs. Bring a good map, the 52 WAV Guide or a GPS app! Snow was on trail at about 2000 feet, with ice under the snow on the steep upper section. We did not require traction going up, but it would be helpful if descending that trail. The summit loop had about an inch of snow and was easy to walk. The Banana Trail (which is unmarked in Gaia GPS and has no trail signage denoting its name), was well blazed in blue and pink. That trail had some major ice, which was avoidable with great care. We did not use traction for this, either, but conditions could change, so bring the spikes. We skipped the Black Snout summit spur due to time considerations. Views of the White Mountains, including the Presis, were spectacular from the Shaw summit. There were also great views of Lake Winnie, the Belknaps and the Ossipees from Big Ball Mountain. Congrats to my hiking partner for hitting #51 of the 52 WAV list!! I look forward to joining him on his finish on Roberts, hopefully in the near future. |
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 | Name: |
Marty |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-11-18 |
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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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