Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, NH |
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| Trails: |
Starr King Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, April 30, 2016 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The summer lot is open. The access road is undulant. Space is limited as there were lots of vehicles today. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Spring Snow |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail in good condition. One tree across the trail on ridge between Starr King and Waumbek about four feet above surface. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Good for dogs |
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| Bugs: |
Didn't notice any. |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
The initial ascent through the hardwood forest was snowless with some muddy spots. This section had Spring Beauties in bloom. The Trout Lilies and Trillium plants were visible but no flowers yet. On the western traverse through the evergreen forest there was a mix of surface conditions with alternating stretches of snow/ice and dry soil and rocks. Above the spring are a few spots with thick ice flow which was softening in the warmth of the day. The dull microspikes proved to provide adequate traction in this section. Thereafter it was a continuation of the snow/ice and dry footing with some small melt pools. Lots of moose droppings beyond Starr King. Great views of the Presidential Range from Starr King and the viewpoint east of Mt Waumbek's summit off the Kilkenny Ridge trail. While at the latter viewpoint I hear the low pitch snort/grunt of a moose passing over the summit of Mt Waumbek from south to north. There was an aroma of a fresh deposit of moose scat at the viewpoint.
Lots of hikers on the trail today. Nice to talk with Merle and Nancy as well as the Northeastern Outing Club members. I did not see the gray jays today but another hiker spotted them. |
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| Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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| E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-04-30 |
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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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