| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Surprise, Mt. Moriah, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Carter-Moriah Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
parked in the lot in the utility clearing before the end of Bangor Road. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many, many downed trees have been cut allowing for easier passage. Thanks to the person or people for the excellent work. There are still some downed trees in the upper elevations that can be maneuvered around. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
A Cattle dog named Eleanor was a well behaved enthusiastic hiker today. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
The steep ledges were free of snow and ice. The ledges were a mix of dry and wet surfaces which weren't especially slippery.
The lower elevations were free of snow and ice. There were sporadic short stretches of snow/ice mostly above the ledge areas and below Quimby's Pillow (glacial erratic). Not too far uphill from Quimby's Pillow the snow/ice becomes more consistent. You may want to wear traction at this point particularly on descent. For the most part the hard packed snow is easy to follow. Sometimes there is an elevated monorail and in other spots the hard packed track is embedded within the surrounding snow surface. There is some postholing in the spots where there is tree debris in the trail. I think the deepest posthole was perhaps two feet. There was some running water under the snow/ice. Some of the ice was cracking in the heat of the day.
Saw some Spring Beauty flowers alongside the trail before and after Mt Surprise. The Trillium plants had leaves but no flowers.
Excellent views of Mt Washington and the northern Presidential Range from the ledges and the summit. Also, good views to the Kilkenny Range, Mahoosuc Range, Carter Range and the peaks east of the Wild River valley.
Nice talking with Sue (Bradygirl1) and Tom. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-04-29 |
|
 | 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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