| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cube, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Cross Rivendell Trail, Appalachian Trail, North Cube Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 13, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Baker Road would be fine for all cars normally, though there were some deep frozen ruts in early am and slippery mud headed downhill around noon, plowed turnout on right side of road for 5-6 cars. Proceed down packed snowmobile portion at end of plowed section to get the Mt. Cube section of the cross rivendall trail |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
they are all a hazard |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Roar!
Trail up to South Peak was well packed by snowshoe traffic and completely firm this morning with then temps in the low teens. I wore snowshoes. Only postholes were from a deer. Lots of coyote tracks and fresh pee on trail, like they're the king of the jungle, think again now that I am back. Snow pack is only 6-12 inches down low. This is a nicely graded trail and the upper half is full on classic White Mountain spruce and birch (even a glade). Great views into Vermont stretching from Killington to Camel's Hump and Mansfield area.
Short segment of AT (aka Mt. Cube Trail) headed north was choppier as someone likely barebooted, but the trail was well broken. Noticed driving in that the AT crossing on 25A was broken, so its probably safe to assume that the Mt. Cube Trail route is broken out.
North Cube Spur however seemed like it had not been touched and had an annoying breakable crust that would support me for half a second and then I would sink down a foot even on snowshoes. Excellent views northeast from the North Peak to Moosilauke and other White Mountain peaks. There were no blazes visible headed out to north peak, though I noticed. On the way out a few orange blazes at ankle level confirmed that there was likely a good 3 plus feet of snow still up high. Good idea to wear sunglasses on this spur as there were many branches at face level. The giraffe would have hated this section, so perhaps it is best he is being domesticated at shipped south now that his residence is a zoo.
Kodak Trail (AT southbound) had not been broken out. I went short ways to see if there was a trench but there wasn't and I suspect the experience of breaking it out would have been like my time on the north cube spur.
The Cheetah is back after suffering a grievous wound at the hands of a poacher last year (the administration wants me to call it a man caused disaster). Watch for me this spring/summer, though I will be on trail while most will still be getting their "caw fee" down off 128 in MA. |
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 | Name: |
The Cheetah |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2015-03-13 |
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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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