Mt. Moriah - Stony Brook Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail - 12-21-2014

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Moriah, NH

	Trails:	Stony Brook Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail

	Date of Hike:	Sunday, December 21, 2014

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	The lot at the trailhead was plowed and empty.

	Surface Conditions:	Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder

	Recommended Equipment:	Snowshoes, Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	All of the crossings were either bridged or easily handled by rock hopping.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	The lower portion of Stony Brook Trail was fine but the middle and upper portions are a mess. I took my saw out and started but quickly realized I would be there all day and night. There are many blowdowns but even more ice-downs (not sure it's a word but it's when the smaller trees so heavy with ice they hang down and create an obstruction). The Carter Moriah Trail had similar conditions.

	Dog-Related Notes:

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	Did this one with the Random Group of Hikers as part of the "farewell to fall" and "welcome to winter" (Waumbek) day of hiking. The Stony Brook Trail down low was rock hard and we were able to bareboot the first mile and a half or so. There most people added some light traction to help wth the grip as we started to climb. About half mile from the junction with the Carter Moriah Trail most people switched to snow shoes. A few were able to us light traction the entire day without any problems. We had the trails to ourselves on the way up. Whoever went before us after the last storm did a nice job breaking out the route. There were a few dead-ends and turn-around a but those are to be expected in winter. Nothing significant - thanks for the work. On the way down we saw a couple of people - one was a friend Meghan. The trails in winter are nice, fewer people and those out there you tend to know.

	Name:	Michael & Monica

	E-Mail:	michaelfblair@gmail.com

	Date Submitted:	2014-12-22

	Link:	https://www.meetup.com/random-hikers/events/218856664/
		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.