| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Galehead Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Beaver Brook XC ski trails, Gale River Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 4, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty at the Beaver Brook lot. Parking lot is very icy. The potties have been boarded up for the season so plan accordingly ;) |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The first crossing on Gale River Trail was a bit dicey simply due to slick, icy rocks. I put spikes on to cross and took them off shortly thereafter. Spikes also helped at the second crossing further up. Ice is starting to form at both but not enough to be supportive. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
None to speak of - trails are in good shape. A WMNF volunteer was clearing a natural culvert near the entrance of the ski trails on my way out - I thanked him after chatting for a bit. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Didn't see any. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Didn't see any. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Nil to trace amounts of snow/ice on the ski trail. Gale River Loop Road was a bit icy but there are places to walk so as not deal with it. Trace amounts of snow/ice on Gale River Trail well past the first crossing. Boney coverage begins +/- 1.5 miles in and transitions to full coverage shortly thereafter. At the Gale River/Garfield Ridge junction I'd guess there's maybe 3-4 inches of snow increasing slightly to the hut. Frost Trail had maybe 6 inches of snow. Gale River Trail was "packed out" by bare boot traffic and it appears a snowshoe track was established on this section of Garfield Ridge Trail. Much to my surprise there was only a single set of bare boot tracks on Frost Trail beyond the hut toward the summit. Bottom line: I wore spikes at the two crossings and then beyond but bare booted to the first one plus a bit after - spikes worked as well as could be expected since snow was unconsolidated. At the hut I donned snowshoes up to the summit and back. One other hiker wore snowshoes so it should have the makings of a nice track now.
It was a beautiful day to be out: blue skies with no wind and lots of sun for much of it. Crisp, clean and up-close views of the Twins from the hut and outlook on Frost Trail. As an added bonus I saw a Marten (I think) prancing by while having lunch on the hut's porch. Like the weather it was really quiet on the trails: I only saw four others during my trek today - and it was chatting with two of them throughout the day :) |
|
 | Name: |
HMJ |
|
 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-12-04 |
|
 | 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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