| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Kearsarge, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Access road, Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 28, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Gate still closed. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No issues. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Our dog did fine and there was one other at the summit who passed us earlier. I expect with the ice many might struggle. Know your dog and understand much of this is a pitched skating rink right now. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not one! |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
There was a black baseball cap frozen into the ice in the first .25mi of the Barlow side. I tried to free it but could not. |
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|
 | Comments: |
This was absurdly icy on both Winslow and Barlow. On Winslow, it starts just below the halfway mark and it is dramatic. Staying to the left at the halfway avoids what is jaw dropping to look at but you will not escape it entirely. Much of the trail is unavoidable ice. The summit itself is mostly ice free but going down Barlow does not spare you for long. Barlow is even worse because when the ice starts, it's relentless and that trail is naturally longer. Much of that ice can be stepped around but a lot can't. Sharp spikes would be ideal (and crampons not unreasonable) but rock spikes did the job and sharp spikes will quickly become rock spikes. This week is supposed to be warmer so maybe this is all just wasted words. Right now though, without traction it would be a new Olympic event of downhill figure skating. Be careful. |
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 | Name: |
MJo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-03-28 |
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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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