Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, South Weeks, Middle Weeks, NH |
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| Trails: |
Starr King Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, August 17, 2013 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The access road to parking area is undulated but passenger cars successfully drove to the lot. The primary parking area can accommodate five to six vehicles. More parking space is available along access road. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant water crossings |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The Starr King Trail is in excellent condition. The Kilkenny Ridge Trail has long stretches with the fern fronds hiding the pathway and countless tree falls. I was able to cut and clear many (but not all) small and medium blow downs to facilitate passage. The many large trees (mainly spruce) will need to be axed. I was able to trim limbs from some of these large trees to aid in straddling. There are many bypass routes to get by the fallen trees. The worst of the tree fall areas are on the ridge to Waumbek east knob and the east facing slopes of Waumbek east knob and South Weeks. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Good for dogs. Water is especially lacking on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail. |
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| Bugs: |
None |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
A man from Reading Ma completed his 48th NH 4K peak on Waumbek today. He had many celebrants. One woman barely escaped injury as she was coming down from the Starr King chimney when a stone dislodged and fell.
There were great views from the outlook off the Kilkenny Trail just east of Mt Waumbek as well as from Starr King. No views on South or Middle Weeks.
The going was slowed on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail due to all the obstructions. The trail is not under the auspices of a Club and the Forest Service may be constrained by the sequestration so you should not count on immediate clearance of the trail. |
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| Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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| E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-08-17 |
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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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