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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Monadnock, NH
Trails
Trails: Marlboro Trail, Dublin Trail, Smith Summit Trail, Great Pasture Trail, Marian Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, October 20, 2012
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Lot on Shaker Road was overflowing onto the road, but several spots open as it was mid-afternoon when I got there. Road is very rough in last 1/3 mile to the lot (from South). Several mud and water holes from the rain of late, but it was passable with care in low-clearance 2WD. A couple people opted to park along the road before the big pits. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Only 2 of note, one on Great Pasture, one on Marian, and both were easy rock-hops. Numerous minor streamlets along the way. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: No blowdowns. One significant mud pit on Marlboro Trail between Marian and Dublin Trails, not easily bypassed. Great Pasture Trail was marked with plastic signs nailed, and with the leaves on the ground and the light traffic it sees, the trail was hard to see in a couple spots. Minor mid pits here and there. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: No pets allowed on this mountain. 
Bugs
Bugs: None 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: A couple articles of clothing on trees as I ascended, but gone on my descent, someone must have claimed them. 
 
Comments
Comments: Had an afternoon available after a morning thing in Milton area. Figured I should finally climb this peak. Started out at 2:30, took Marlboro all the way up to Dublin as the skies were clouding up and even spitting rain at a few times as I neared the Marian Trail junction. Looked like it might clear, and it did shortly before I summitted to the 50-60 people on the summit (after maybe a dozen or so coming down as I climbed).



While on the summit area, I saw a helicopter circle around and land on a lower knob for a few minutes, then take off again. Possible air-lift? Hope everything is OK.



Since weather was clearing and holding, I took the Smith Summit Trail over to Monte Rosa, which was originally going to be my ascent route. Descended Great Pasture (which was steeper than expected!) and over Marian to Marlboro and back. Nice 3.5-hour jaunt on a nice afternoon overall, though a bit too warm.



5.1 miles, 2100 feet gain.  
Name
Name: madmattd 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2012-10-21 
Link
Link: https://mattshikes.blogspot.com 
Bookmark and Share 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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