| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Black Mtn, Wheeler Mtn, Bear Mtn (E Peak), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lollapalooza, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 17, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Had a great day to hit these three 3k peaks. I parked at the Jordan Hotel and hiked up the side of Lollapalooza to the top of the Jordan ski lift then dove into the woods. I encountered mostly moderate woods to the summit of Black. The woods were very wet, as the cloud cover was just disappearing from the peaks and the wind had not yet picked up. From Black to Wheeler was mostly wide open woods. I returned to the beautiful birch-lined saddle between Black and Wheeler then slabbed the SW slope to the saddle between Black and East Bear. Here again was mostly open woods. The ridge to the summit of East Bear had varying woods, but staying on the north side of the ridge was much cleaner (though wetter and snowier). By the time I reached East Bear's summit, the clouds had cleared over me and the wind was doing its drying work. I found a nice thick patch of woods on the way back to the saddle between Black and East Bear by drifting too far south on the ridge. That was fun. I then angled back to the top of the Jordan lift and headed back down to the hotel. Saw only a few skiers enjoying one of what must be Sunday River's last open days, judging by the bare ground on the ski trails I could see.
Above 3000', ~10% of the ground had snow cover, mostly <6" depth. On the north side between 2600-3000', there was closer to 20% coverage, but still nothing that low gaiters won't protect against. The ground was still frozen above 3000', but there was lots of standing water, unsurprising given the recent warm stretch, especially at the higher summits. This was very surprising (but convenient!) for mid-April.
This marked #429-431 / 457 of the NE 3k's for me. |
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 | Name: |
Snowman |
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 | E-Mail: |
bsnow4@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-04-18 |
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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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