| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Hale, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Hale Brook Trail, Lend-A-hand Trail, Zealand Trail, Zealand Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand Rd was open today. I doubt if it will be open tomorrow. This is a nice dirt road (paved the first 0.25 miles) and is passable by any vehicle. It is gated in winter. Iron ranger bagged and taped up for the winter season. This is normally a $5 fee/WMNF Pass lot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I got my feet wet on the first crossing on Hale Brook trail. Mostly because I was helping the dog across. The water was elevated but there were several ice free rocks I could have used. After the foot soaking the snow soaked them anyway so further crossings were waded through as I did not want to negotiate the ice covered granite. All crossings on Hale Brook and Lend-A-Hand can be achieved with ice free rocks, just take your time. On Zealand Trail most crossings are bridged. The remaining two are shallow and simple to walk through. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
My dog did fine despite the ice. He made his own trail over the longest ice segments. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Route:
Roadwalk on Zealand Rd > Hale Brook Trail > Lend-A-Hand > Zealand Trail.
Today’s story is one of ice and the beginning of winter. Inert water molecules coated surfaces starting at 2000 feet. Rippled, thick, slick. Cascades of water in the trail stuck in a state of pause until spring comes again. Some snow clung to the frictionless surfaces, a time for spikes. Snowshoes remain hungry…
Hale Brook: snow started in the lowest elevations. Very shallow. This trail is well blazed in yellow, simple to follow. Ice began in earnest around 2000 feet. I stubbornly refused to don the spikes until I did a ballerina worthy jete onto the unforgiving surface. FINE! I’ll put them on! Ice and deeper snow peppered the trail towards the summit. The trees adorned with their first snow coat. Their green branches bending in the equivalent yoga position of “Winter’s Bow.” Soon they will resemble marshmallows. Summit marked with large carin. Reminisced about Teal Goat’s insight about Hale’s secret with a compass at the summit.
Lend-A-Hand: well blazed in blue. Well iced for most of the trail. Snow deeper at the higher elevations (1 inch or so). There was some running water on trail where heat hides until frigid temps force it out. Spikes kept me upright over this more moderate descent off of Hale. The fern “hair” of the granite boulders have aged under the snow. Their white color gives the grey faces a look of elderly wisdom. Bog bridges visible under the snow. Water crossings (there are technically two) should be no issue with exposed rocks. There are plenty of unfrozen puddles to negotiate as you descend the flank to the hut. But rocks and roots are plenty so you should not have a problem. I did not take off my spikes until I was about a mile from the shelter.
Zealand Trail: popular, easy, well maintained route to the parking lot. Blazed in updated blue blazes. Ice was also present on this trail, but not enough for spikes, at least for me. This trail was saturated from the recent rains with a number of spots of running water/standing water on trail. I walked right through it as my boots (and thick wool socks) were already soaked. Three of the only people seen all day met here. Thanks for giving my dog some love. Hut open on a caretaker basis- but, in my experience, it has always been unlocked to obtain water if needed. Wonderful oasis from the piercing cold.
Spring, I look forward to your return. For now, I am grateful for the onset of winter silence. Such a magical season in the mountains… |
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 | Name: |
Remington34 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-11-15 |
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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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