| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cardigan, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Access road, West Ridge Trail, Jeep road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the winter lot next to the gated access road for Mt. Cardigan State Park in Orange. One "creative" parker took up multiple spaces. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Blue |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Erosion from heavy use on WRT. Blazing above treeline could be touched up. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Weird conditions for Cardigan in December!
The road walk was mostly bare with some stretches of thin ice. For West Ridge Trail, ice began at the trailhead and became more prominent, thicker, and hazardous as the trail ascended. The ledge scramble 0.9 mi. up, which always develops heavy ice, was the gnarliest spot; I took the bypass around it. The junction of West Ridge and Ranger Cabin trails also had significant ice. All this said, I was able to go up and down without donning spikes as there is still plenty of bare ground and exposed rocks/ledge to work with. Some may want to wear them for peace of mind though. Above treeline, the summit ledges were dry and bare. On the descent, I hopped onto the lower section of the Jeep road which was ice-free but muddy and wet in spots.
Several other folks out and pretty blustery on top, but not frigid at all. Crystal clear views today. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-12-14 |
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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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