| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wilcox Hill - South Peak, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Pike Hill Road, Pike Hill Road South, Cuts Brook Road, bushwhack |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 26, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Pike Hill Rd is paved at its start, then quickly turns to gravel. It goes down a hill which isn’t huge but is quite muddy then goes up a slightly larger/steeper hill that’s also muddy. FWD cars will struggle some here but mine (barely) made it. I parked in the big construction area off to the side, careful not to block anything and avoiding not trespassing signs. The road beyond here is narrower and becomes muddier with one major hole in the road. Definitely not suitable for FWD and low-clearance vehicles. I would’ve thought only 4WD vehicles with high clearance could make it but there’s a residence partway down the road and they make it in with only AWD and kid-clearance SUVs. Huge thanks to the guy who gave me his number in case I get stuck on my way out. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I basically crossed and followed a drainage up to the peak. Small and easy to cross. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No major obstructions on the roads |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The residence (which I believe was on Pike Hill Rd South) has two dogs, one of which is young and barks. The landowner was super friendly and came over to talk to me and was in control of the dog. I thought I heard gunshots after I continued walking so this may be the same guy others met when he was shooting? He also said that there were some meth users nearby too… |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Day 146, Peak 136. 2nd hike and 3rd peak of the day after Goves - Northeast and Lucias Lookout - South Peak/Little Sunapee in Pillsbury State Park with a friend. The miniature snow flurries had subsided hub this point in the evening and the sun was showing itself again.
I walked almost a 1/2mi on Pike Hill Rd before bearing left onto Pike Hill Rd south which I followed for maybe 1/3mi before turning right onto Cuts Brook Rd which I followed for about 1mi to its end at the base of the peak. I got all of the above road names from Gaia. From the end of the road I turned left and crossed a drainage and then more or less followed to the left (south) of the drainage up to the peak in decent woods and at a moderately steep grade. A little hard to tell where to aim to hit the summit ridge (“which of these high points is the right one”, lol) and I of course chose incorrectly. That said, it’s easy once on it to find the highpoint and canister. I was surprised to find an actual canister and not a jar on this one! I signed in and returned the same way. On my way out Pike Hill Rd south I met the landowner who was incredibly kind and friendly. He was very interested in hiking and explained what routes he’s taken up to nearby peaks. I explained the 500 highest to him and didn’t seem to have the slightest issue with the idea of the occasional hiker passing through. That said, I don’t think he owns the peaks ;)
About 4.25mi with around 900ft of gain taking me 1hr45min to complete. Stats are a bit skewed and estimated due to long conversation with land owner near end of hike. 219 more days and 229 more peaks to go… |
|
 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
|
 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-28 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
