| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Kinsman, South Kinsman, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mt. Kinsman Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 14, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We were the first car there - 47 degrees to start. There were two more cars there when we came out - it was 81 degrees. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings are not quite rock hoppable and we had to step on some slightly submerged rocks. There is a log partial crossing on one, albeit on slightly wobbly one and a partial ice bridge on another. The streams are flowing and you could hear flow under the snow at higher elevations. One hiker who attempted Cascade Brook and Kinsman Pond trail encountered two unpassable streams and bushwacked to Fishin Jimmy. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trail is in good condition. I only remember one walk under. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs and probably not good for them beyond the Bald Peak junction or through the crossings. |
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 | Bugs: |
not yet.... |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A very nice day for this hike. There were clear skies and calm winds throughout and we had South to ourselves and were able to spend alot of time up there and take in a magnificent view of Franconia Ridge and its rocky tops. We barebooted about two miles to the third crossing on dry snow free trail, then some wetness and then some avoidable ice pack. We put on the beater spikes for the 0.1 mile or so to the bald peak junction and the snowpack began with some monorail sections. The trail had an easily discernable and smooth hard center that easily supported spikes. 4WD is required along the ridge though and it's a rickety ride the whole way, worse between peaks. Hiker's choice on footwear but either requires more work and it's slow going. We chose spikes opting against snowshoe ankle bending. The good news is the center is hard and supportive. The bad news it's not always easy to find the center so there was some sinking in on the sides. It was great to chat with Katie and her friend and take in the exquisite presentation of their charcuterie spread. Good luck on your four season quest hope to see you on the trail again soon. |
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 | Name: |
Dave D |
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 | E-Mail: |
dinz00@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-14 |
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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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