Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Dorset Mountain - North Peak, Dorset Mountain - Northeast Peak, Dorset Mountain - South Peak, VT |
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| Trails: |
Tower Road, unnamed trails, herd paths |
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| Date of Hike: |
Friday, July 8, 2016 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the start of the unmaintained portion of Tower Road in Dorset Hollow, just after the last house, at the start of a grassy logging road. Higher clearance vehicles can go a bit further up the road to a clearing and pulloff. Crazed Jeep drivers can go beyond that, but there's really nowhere to put a vehicle. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
The stream crossing by the collapsed hunter's cabin is easily crossed. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
For an officially trailless peak, the trails / roads here are in pretty good shape. A few blowdowns around, but also evidence of recent maintenance. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. |
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| Bugs: |
Both mosquitos and flies were pesky. |
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| Lost and Found: |
Found a Powerade bottle near the northeast peak. I packed it out. |
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| Comments: |
From the parking spot, I walked up Tower Road until it degenerated into an eroded jeep road, past the collapsed cabin, and up through a narrow valley. Footing was a bit loose in places.
At the T intersection, I turned right on an old road and followed that for about a quarter mile to another road, which splits off right and uphill. There was cairn here that had been knocked over. I rebuilt it. This road climbs somewhat steeply to the ridge, passing the lower end of the herd path to the fire tower on south peak. I kept going straight until I arrived at doorknob junction.
From there I turned left and went to the north peak, where there is a sign and register. I signed in, but the register is a bit damp. The cap for the canister does not screw in and just sits on top.
From north peak I followed an overgrown path to the northeast peak, where there is nothing. :) I doubled back and continued back toward doorknob junction and onto the south peak and the fire tower remains. From the tower, I descended the herd path maybe 0.1 mi. back to the woods road, and then retraced my steps back to the car.
I was pleasantly surprised by this mountain. It's a bit quirky with its features, and I enjoyed the more primitive trails. Also some beautiful forest along the ridge. I'd like to come back and try it from the Danby side. |
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| Name: |
KenM |
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| E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-07-08 |
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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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