| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Black Mountain - Middle Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Carter Notch Road, Melloon Road, Black Mountain Ski Trail, Black Mountain summit spur, East Pasture Ski Trail, Bald Land Trail, East Branch Road, East Branch Trail, Wild River Trail, Wildcat River Trail, FR 233 |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, December 13, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for a few cars at Bog Brook trailhead, Carter Notch Road in decent shape, all the way up to the gate on FR 233. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
In the early going, all crossings were bridged. East Branch Trail had two interesting crossings, ice bridges have started to form, but aren't particularly stable (found out the hard way). The two crossings of the Wild River on Wild River Trail had more stable bridges. Avoided the crossings on lower Wildcat River and Bog Brook by taking FR 233 to the trailhead. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Black Mountain Ski Trail, East Pasture Ski Trail and Bald Land Trail are in good shape, no blowdowns of note. East Branch Trail had a few stepovers and duckunders in the early going, and plenty of partially frozen muck holes. The upper trail is obscure in spots, especially in open woods areas, I can see how it would be difficult to follow in the warmer months. Some very grown in sections near the height of land. Wild River Trail had a bunch of stepovers, and was brushy in spots, but in decent shape otherwise. Wildcat River Trail in good shape, fairly easy to follow in the fading light. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I had to pick the coldest day possible to do this loop, but it worked out. Parked at Bog Brook trailhead, walked the 1.7 miles to Black Mountain Ski Trail, and started up. Snow from the start, a few inches at best, following two sets of tracks, one hauling a sled. Beyond the cabin, I followed old tracks up to the summit, then down East Pasture. Stopped by the grave of Nathaniel Kimball on the way down. Went up Bald Land Trail to East Branch Road, then on to East Branch Trail. For a trail with its access severely limited, it wasn't that bad, though it was interesting to follow beyond the wilderness boundary. Wild River Trail was pretty up into Perkins Notch, and out to its end at Wildcat River. The walk of FR 233 at the end was somewhat demoralizing, but better than negotiating crossings in the dark! Off and on snow all day, some sun, bitter cold, and winds roaring above. Going to need snowshoes soon! |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-12-13 |
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 | Link: |
 https://onapathwithheart.blogspot.com |
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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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