| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
West Rattlesnake, East Rattlesnake, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Old Bridle Path, Ridge Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 19, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Nice big parking lot off Rt 113. A note about other Rattlesnake trails: At first we drove down Pinehurst Road, as we were considering Ramsey Trail and others we have not done yet. The Pinehurst road lot fits about 3 vehicles. We drove down an incline to see if there was a little more room. After seeing there wasn't, we started back up and barely made it. Unless your vehicle handles really well going up icy inclines, save this one for the warmer months. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Wet/Sticky |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Excellent. Work is being done on Bridle Path. Thank you! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Let's get the sore subject out of the way first. Although there has been an improvement since last we were there (Someone had handwritten a sign, all in caps, complaining about the #$%^, using the word #$%^), there were still a few piles on the Bridle Path. I know the folks using this site probably clean up after their dogs, this is just a warning to watch your step. To end on a happy note, a good variety of well-behaved dogs were enjoying their day, especially the last one with his stick he had found. |
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 | Bugs: |
Snow fleas. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
There was a Stablicer on the kiosk. I found its mate hanging from a branch on the Ridge Path, so I brought it back and they're happily reunited at the kiosk. |
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 | Comments: |
Both trails were like sidewalks. You will not posthole here, but DO NOT go here without some sort of traction. There were many icy spots. Herd trails have formed running parallel to the trail in some spots. This property is being managed by UNH and they are doing lots of work to better the trails and revegetate certain areas. People should cooperate and STAY OFF the sections marked. It was bright and sunny with blue skies while we sat and enjoyed West Rattlesnake. Then we took the Ridge Path over to East Rattlesnake. So we redlined .8 miles. It was a nice walk; winter is a good time for this, because you can see more. Once the leaves are back, there is just one ledge (right before the summit) where you can get a view. This section is like a factory or nursery for burls. I saw what I believed was the smallest ever - a plum sized one on a maple sapling. But then Prema saw one the size of a dime.
When we got back to West Rattlesnake, it was very cloudy. A different perspective on a beautiful view. The only thing bright at that time were tangerine peels strewn about. While there are varying opinions about leaving such things in the woods for animals or composting (LNT principals say "NO!"), this was NOT in the woods, it was right out where people sit to enjoy the ledges. Prema noticed eggshells as well. For once I had an extra bag in my pack for the purpose of picking up trash, so I packed out the peels. The eggshell was too fragmented. I also found peels near the kiosk and took care of those, too.
Hope to go back and get Ramsey and Undercut when the snow is gone. |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-02-19 |
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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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