| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Everett, MA |
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 | Trails: |
Race Brook Trail, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, January 13, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The pull out on Under Mountain Road had a few cars when I arrived at 7:30 with space for about 10 or so total. This lot can often fill to capacity. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The Race Brook crossing just below the upper waterfall was quite challenging due to the high water and ice covered rocks. Microspikes felt mandatory to me. A large downed tree spanned about half of the brook but was elevated which added to the sense of adventure, particularly for my two dogs. Taking a ride over the lower falls would be catastrophic and not out of the question. I resorted to spotting the dogs one at a time to minimize the risk as the return approach was more difficult especially for them. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail and campsites were in great shape. A couple of small blow downs above the upper falls were easy step-overs. Was a little surprised how close the bear box was located relative to the privy at the campsites. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I had my two with me and they met one other friendly Golden just before the summit of Mount Everett. Trail conditions were a bit challenging for them especially on the last mile of the AT below the summit due to extensive water ice. I used paw protecting balm to keep them from getting too balled up with the mix of water ice and snow. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This hike is one of my favorites in southern New England. Morning was clear and crisp and trail conditions made for a quick pace other than crossing Race Brook. I ascended the main trail and missed the lower falls loop on the ascent. I also bare booted the vast majority of the trail but as noted, traction at the crossing of Race Brook was needed. The upper waterfall was spectacular and the dogs and I enjoyed it for a few minutes after the gripped crossing. Views from the ridgeline were spectacular once we ascended beyond the upper falls, and the section that follows the brook to the campsites is particularly peaceful and beautifully forested. I was surprised there were no overnight campers with the cars in the lot and we did not see any other hikers until the summit. The section of the AT in the saddle between Mount Race and Mount Everette was a bit flooded with standing water which was a bit of a surprise with the colder temps. The final 3/4 mile or so of the AT below the summit of Mount Everett was very challenging with a steeper pitch, higher winds, and much water ice. Traction in this area was helpful, and lots of herd paths are forming in that area as hikers attempt to go around. We a summited at the old tower platform and returned the same route until the lower falls loop trail which was a good decision as the lower falls were even more spectacular than the upper. |
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 | Name: |
Jo-Kah |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-01-19 |
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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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