| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Three Ponds Shelter, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Three Ponds Trail, Donkey Hill Cutoff, bushwhack, snowmobile trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed parking at the Three Ponds trailhead off Stinson Lake Rd. in Ellsworth. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Blazes on the hiking trails need refreshing. I'm still not clear on what the purpose is of the two short relocations on Three Ponds Trail. They just loop off the snowmobile trail for a bit then return and don't bypass any obstructions. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
As it was still looking cold and windy up higher today, I revisited an old favorite. Love this area!
Three Ponds Trail was packed down by snowmobiles all the way to the shelter. The groomer came through as I was walking in.
Donkey Hill Cutoff had evidence of snowshoe and ski traffic that was drifted in, so I got to break that out again. Snow depths were about six inches on top of a good base. Stepping off the base, however, I was sinking up to my knees even with snowshoes on. The powder is very soft. I guess I should have been paying better attention to the blazes as I followed these older tracks off-trail for a bit. But this proved to be a happy accident as they led out onto a swamp where there were great views of Whitcher Hill. Winds had blown the snow deeper, so there was about a foot out here.
Once back on the cutoff I followed that down to where it ends at the snowmobile trail. Mt. Kineo Trail from that point was unbroken. Due to a late start and pushing through the snow on the swamp, I opted to walk back on the snowmobile trail all the way to the trailhead. So, Mt. Kineo Trail is gonna need some snowshoe love.
Lots of snow in this area right now so if you enjoy snowshoeing this is the place to be! |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-02-11 |
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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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