| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Haystack Mountain (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Falling Waters Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The trailhead parking area is plowed and was empty when I arrived; 3 other cars when I departed! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction, Ice Axe |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I was surprised that the water crossings, up to Cloudland Falls, were solidly bridged. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No concerns!! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I turned back at Cloudland Falls due to really concerning (to me!) ice. My microspikes (fairly new Hillsounds trail crampons), which were adequate to that point, didn’t make a dent on the smooth and hard ice that was the trail rising to the left above Cloudland Falls. I switched to crampons and pulled out my ice axe and was able to get up about 30’, mostly by hanging onto rocks and roots, and using my ice axe, with my crampons intermittently giving me enough purchase to advance but not enough to feel super confident about the escapade. When the trail made a turn to the right, I could then see at least 50’ of smooth, yellow/brown ice, with the drop off down the falls to the side. Though I probably would have been fine with my crampons, it just seemed really risky to me, so I turned around and headed back.
On my way back down I passed 4 hikers heading up, none of whom had an ice axe. I definitely am conservative when it comes to this type of thing!
Stay safe, have fun!! |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-09 |
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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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