| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Hale, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Zealand Road, Hale Brook Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, March 23, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was pleasantly surprised to find the winter lot had been plowed this morning. My shovel was in the backseat just in case. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Wet/Sticky |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The first bigger one wasn't too tricky. I crossed a little lower than I usually do and checked all my foot placements carefully. The second one higher up needed some caution. It's open and there is lots of ice which is covered by the new snow. I stepped on snow covered rocks and some sticks which I stabbed a bunch of times to be sure they felt secure. My snowshoes did get wet but that was the lesser of the evils. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few blowdowns which can be ducked under or gone around |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None seen :( |
|
 | Bugs: |
Still in Hell |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing lost and nothing found |
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|
 | Comments: |
Love me a golden ticket! The road walk had a few inches of fresh snow on it and there were cross country ski tracks from yesterday. I started in bare boots but switched to snowshoes to avoid the whole walking in beach sand thing. The snow depth increased as I ascended but the texture was awesome. Not sticky yet and as long as I stayed where the trail had been previously packed it was pretty nice. The sidehill section was sketchy for sure. There was no clear evidence of where folks had walked before so I made my own way. Sometimes down low and sometimes up high. I just looked for the snow that provided a little better traction and went with it. Above the last water crossing there was still more sidehill (DOES IT EVER END?) but the trail is wider there and it feels less sketchy. Descending was actually not too bad. Again, I looked for the grippiest snow and had a serious conversation with my snowshoes about their responsibility in keeping me safe - we have had a committed relationship for 7 years now so they get it. No bum touches and no slides at all. I saw not a soul the whole day. I love days like this. :) |
|
 | Name: |
Uki |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-03-23 |
|
 | 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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