| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moriah, Mt. Surprise, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Stony Brook Trail, Carter Moriah Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, December 12, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The people living in the house across from the parking lot next to the trailhead made it clear they didn’t want anyone to park there. Not sure if they have a legal right to keep people from parking there. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction, Ice Axe |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water crossings on Stoney Brook were easily managed |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One blowdown towards the bottom of Carter Moriah. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
One glove hanging on a tree on Carter Moriah |
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|
 | Comments: |
The Stoney Brook trail was uneventful for the first 2.5/3 miles or so. Once out of tree line the trail was manageable with spikes, some sections were a bit sketchy but I took my time and it was fine. As I got closer to the summit I had to stick to the sides of the trail, which I hate to do… but it was either that or slip and break a leg, so I chose the former. The steep section right before the summit was icy and sketchy AF. Spikes are not enough IMO. I was wishing I had my crampons and ice axe. Maybe someone else would be fine in just spikes but that wasn’t me. The entire trail of Carter Moriah to Mount Surprise was one giant crappy ice flow. I had to bushwack the ENTIRE trail as every time I stepped on it, my spikes weren’t able to grip, and I would slip. Crampons definitely needed. Slabby sections were essentially terrifying. After this experience I’ll never leave my crampons home during the winter months. My day was stressful, exhausting and terrifying at times. I was humbled and learned some good lessons and thankfully I wasn’t injured. I know how quickly things can go wrong up there. I thought I was prepared but I wasn’t. |
|
 | Name: |
ritaray |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ritaray89@hotmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-12-13 |
|
 | 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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