| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Kearsarge, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Access road, Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, January 24, 2014 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed parking for a few cars in front of the closed Winslow State Park gate. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails is good shape. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Winslow Trail is steep and icy in spots, the more gradual Barlow up and back might be a better option for the pups. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
After hiking Lovewell Mountain earlier in the day, I drove over to the Winslow State Park entrance to hike Mt. Kearsarge. I knew it would be bitterly cold on top, but the crystal clear day was sure to offer incredible views that were too nice to pass up.
Arriving at the gate around 1:30, where there is parking for a few cars, I headed up the .75 mile road walk to the picnic area. Keeping an eye on time, I opted for the short but steep Winslow Trail up, which gains 1,100 feet of elevation in 1.1 miles. As promised, Winslow was a stiff climb over a few inches of packed snow. Around the halfway point, there was thicker ice, but nothing that couldn't be easily bypassed. Hillsounds did the job without any trouble.
Popping out of the trees and onto the bare summit, the winds were biting, but the sky was completely clear with bright sun. I hung out on top for about ten minutes or so, getting some photos. I climbed up the fire tower to get a few shots, then clambered back down as it was getting pretty chilly.
I was doing OK on time, so I opted for the longer but more gradual Barlow Trail down. This trail was drifted over at the top, but could still be followed with care via blazes and cairns. This route also offered shelter from the wind, and I stayed warm the whole way down. Once back at the picnic area, it was an easy cruise back down the road to my car. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-01-26 |
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 | Link: |
 https://flickr.com/gp/kmacgray/6sArw1 |
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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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