Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek - Starr King Trail - 12-9-2012

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, NH

	Trails:	Starr King Trail

	Date of Hike:	Sunday, December 9, 2012

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Small lot at trailhead was full once I parked. Short road spur to parking is rough from erosion however four cars made it to the lot.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

	Recommended Equipment:	Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	No significant water crossings

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trail in good condition. Fallen trees on the ridge between Starr King and Waumbek had been cut and removed

	Dog-Related Notes:	None seen today. Icy conditions may be difficult for some dogs.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	The initial slope through the hardwood forest has some muddy areas which were easy to cross on rocks or bypassed to the side. Some of the mud was icy in spots. No need for traction in this section of trail on either ascent or descent. The traverse through the evergreen forest introduced more icy sections although no overwhelming ice bulges which I have seen in the past. On ascent I used no traction. On descent I wore microspikes which proved adequate. The ridge between Starr King and Waumbek had a lot of ice. Light traction is recommended in this section. There was a short stretch where there may have been 2 to 3 inches of ice capped snow to the side of the trail. Nice views of the Presidential Range including King and Castle Ravines from both Starr King ledges and from the outlook off the Kilkenny Trail about 50 yards north of the Waumbek summit.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com

	Date Submitted:	2012-12-09

	Link:	https://
		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.