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Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Wonalancet, Hibbard Mountain, Wonalancet Hedgehog, Nanamocomuck Peak, Square Ledge, NH
Trails
Trails: Old Mast Road, Wonalancet Range Trail, Walden Trail, Square Ledge Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, October 18, 2014
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty of parking at the Ferncroft lot. When I got back to my car, there was a group of hikers partying with very loud music blaring. Very annoying. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The only water crossing of any consequence is at the junction of the Square Ledge and Square Ledge Branch trails. Still easily hopped, but water was rushing and rising. Spring Brook on Old Mast Road is bridged. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: All trails in great shape, considering they are lesser-traveled routes. The WODC does an outstanding job! 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Depending on the dog, this would be a fine route. Parts of the Walden Trail and the Square Ledge Trail are very steep with some significant scrambles. 
Bugs
Bugs: Nope. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: One dog leash on Old Mast Road. I left it at the gate. 
 
Comments
Comments: An awesome loop through the Sandwich Range Wilderness, where I was planning on a rainy day, which I received. Things were mostly dry until I hit the Walden Trail, when the heaviest rain started on the steep, rugged climb up to Nanamocomuck. A steady rain pretty much continued on and off through the rest of the hike. I took the spur path down to the view at Wonalancet Hedgehog, which is probably really nice in good weather. ;) Nanamocomuck is a mere rise on the Walden Trail, with nothing to see on any day. The ridge across the top of Square Ledge is wild and very remote feeling, with lots of ups and downs. Dropping off Square Ledge is very steep, and the cliffs off to the side are impressive, worth another visit on a better weather day. There's also a great slide on the north slope of Nanamocomuck, along the Square Ledge Trail near the Passaconaway Cutoff junction, which bears further exploration on a dry day. It looks easily climbed and would afford nice views from the top. Views everywhere were minimal this day, but that wasn't what I was after, I was seeking solitude. I didn't expect to run into anyone on these remote trails on a rainy day, but I crossed paths with three other hikers. A great day to be out!  
Name
Name: KenM 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2014-10-20 
Link
Link: https://www.flickr.com/gp/kmacgray/MT566o 
Bookmark and Share 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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