| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Hersey Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Carter Mountain Road, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at by the sign for where Carter Mountain Rd becomes a Class VI road. There is room for a few cars here. The road in eventually turns to dirt and is soft/muddy. My father’s AWD small SUV did okay. A vehicle had travelled this road and my father commented that he thought his Subaru probably could’ve done it but it was soft and slushy. I’d be hesitant without 4WD. Looks like it’s a snowmobile trail in winter. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The road and trail go by near, or through many small drainages. Most are bridges along the road or have snow over them (soon to collapse) or are easily stepped over. Nothing of concern. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure |
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 | Bugs: |
Snowfleas and a flying insect my dad spotted. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
There were a handful of blowdowns on the trail. Easy to step over or go around. Small debris in the trail as well. Note that this is not an official trail and is not signed. It’s difficult to follow in winter…not sure about summer but I’m sure it’s less so. In general, look for surveyors tape to guide you.
Day 135, Peak 119. Due to family plans and this that and the other thing I thought I’d be going about 10 days without hiking but my father had the brilliant idea to get out today and I’m so glad he did! We enjoyed a warm (started in the mid-high 30s finished in the mid-high 40s) if cloudy day but the clouds were high so we enjoyed fantastic views from the peak. Make sure not to just check out the view opposite the cabin(restricted view east toward the Belknaps) but also the NE to the southern and western White Mountains which was fantastic!! Also, the cabin, is a real treat! There is no register at the summit for the 500 highst other than the register inside the cabin which people are welcome to go into and use :)
There was much more snow here than we thought there’d be which made me a bit uncomfortable to be without my snowshoes but we got away okay with bare booting. My father used microspikes most of the way where I barebooted. His microspikes balled on the way down. Not sure how helpful they really are in current conditions. There was, generally speaking, 1-3 inches of wet snow on the trail. As you gained elevation there was something of a base underneath too which supported us. Even with the base, snow depth is still pretty minimal though, probably not much greater than half a foot anywhere. There was one spot in particularl where the trail follows a drainage and I was afraid we’d punch through into the water but we didn’t…except for a little bit on the way down ???? Things were getting just a bit more slushy than wet on our descent as if warmed up. The road was mostly snow/ice/slush covered. A wee bit of blue ice here and there under the snow along the trail which was soft with temps a little above freezing.
The hike is a little more than 1/2mi along the road, then a little over a mile along the trail which also begins as a road. Gaia had me at 4mi total with about 1000ft of gain. The trail is not official and is hard to follow this time of year. 230 more days and 246 more peaks to go… |
|
 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
|
 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-15 |
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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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