| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Gunstock Mountain, Belknap Mountain, Piper Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gunstock Mountain Trail, Brook Trail, Saddle Trail, Blue Trail, White Trail, Old Piper Trail, Piper Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 21, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Busy today. At noon I had to park way down Carriage Mtn Rd, about 4 cars past the No Parking sign which thankfully was not enforced |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns or issues |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Plenty having fun today |
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 | Bugs: |
Ha! None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Great dry trail conditions with surprisingly few muddy patches. No need for traction at all anywhere on this circuit. We took the winter route for a little variety today and other than some minor mud it was fine. Gunstock’s summit had mounds of unmelted snow on the ski trail but free and clear walking up the rock stairs to the panorama chair and pub area. Getting harder to see Franconia Ridge from the deck of the pub but still possible and still the best place to linger over a sip or a sandwich. Fwiw Gunstock’s summit bathrooms were locked today. A little packed snow/ice on Blue/Belknap Ridge Tr leading from Gunstock to Belknap but avoidable. Nothing in col between Belknap and Piper.
Cloudy and windy at summits but still got some great views. Lots of dog owners getting their jaunts in today before the stormy weather hits. Fresh paint blazes on all the colored trails. Probably has been there for a while but I Noticed a sign saying naming the col betw Gunstock and Belknap where Brook and Saddle Tr meet as Graham Junction. It’s Hard not to think about the late Hal Graham when hiking the Belknaps. His handiwork in signs and markings as well a gracefully arcing rock steps and water bars makes these lands so accessible. What a difference one person can make. I vowed to spend another trail work day here soon.
For those doing Mt Rowe Tr ascent from Gilford Elementary School, there now is a portajohn at the trailhead.
Also as we departed local fire fighters were addressing a pretty extensive brushfire on the grassy front of the middle school. |
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 | Name: |
TwinMom+1 |
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 | E-Mail: |
mk@mkmarinac.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-22 |
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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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