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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks North Kinsman Notch Peak, Blue Ridge - North Peak, NH
Trails
Trails: Kinsman Ridge Trail, bushwhack
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked at the Beaver Brook lot across Rt 112 from KRT. Paid $5/day USFS fee lot. Plenty of spaces all day today. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Rock hops, log bridges 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Except for the blow downs, the trails were in great shape, A lot of effort must have gone into placement of all the rock steps, fantastic. Thank you. I counted 9 blowdowns on this section of the KRT, up to the Blue Ridge North peak. I think the birch near the summit has been there for a while. Maybe the others are new. For the most part, one can get around them. It seemed that the number of blazes was low relative to other trails. I spotted several white ones (AT), but not many. The bog bridges after descending off North Kinsman Notch peak probably need some TLC, large nails protruding from most. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Didn't bring Cooper since I had the impression the initial climb was similar to the Beaver Brook trail (railings, holds). But, the trail is simply a lot of steps, would have been pretty easy for a trail hardened pup. Not too many running water crossings for drinking, so bring extra. 
Bugs
Bugs: Nice breeze kept them away, again!!! 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Trail was relatively easy to follow, but could use more blazes. I bushwhacked off the trail to each of the respective high points. Well, it wasn't too far off the trail to the North Kinsman Notch peak, no register, as I expected. However, I searched around for a register on the Blue Ridge peak. I circled all around the summit for 20 minutes, but no register. Last report from Liam also noted the lack of registers. I think I could ID the rock that he mentioned once held the register....

Views from the ridge trail (thought I may see more) at lookouts and between trees. Spring flowers are starting to bloom at these elevations. Many trout lilies & Spring Beauties on the north bound descent off the N Kinsman Notch Summit, which has several switchbacks on a south/SE facing slope.

Great quick hike. Only person I saw was a guy from Chicago, via NC, who came up to hike the White Mountain portion of the AT before starting an internship. Hope he completes his entire planned hike.  
Name
Name: CookiesOnTop 
E-Mail
E-Mail: schwarzmc at yahoo dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2023-05-13 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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