| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moosilauke, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gorge Brook Trail, Gorge Brook Slide Trail, Carriage Road, Abandoned Snapper Trail, Snapper Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, November 18, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the new parking area along Ravine Lodge Road that has been set up during construction of the new Ravine Lodge. This is located at the second gate along the road, where there is room for several cars and a kiosk including signage directing hikers to the trails. Be aware that this parking area now requires a 0.7 mi. road walk to reach the trails. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No problems. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One duckunder on Carriage Road, one stepover on Snapper. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure. Ran into some folks I know who had one. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
A 9th climb of The Moose, but I also completed a long-awaited bucket list item: the abandoned Gorge Brook Slide Trail.
Once on trail, I took GBT up to the "Last Sure Water" sign, where I turned left and crossed the brook, headed for the old slide trail. The bottom of the slide is difficult to locate, and requires some bushwhacking around through open woods. I came across three different slides. At the last one, I found a short herd path that led me to the runout and the old trail corridor. An earlier report mentions an axe blaze in this area, but I didn't see it. The slide is very steep but not very exposed, with alternating areas of slab, ledge steps and loose rock. In the areas where the slide is open, there are tremendous views. I bushwhacked around some slabs that were wet and slimy. No snow or ice encountered. There's a lot of moss in places, but plenty of hand and footholds. The slide has largely revegetated, so there are also plenty of trees to use. The trail was mostly easy to follow, and several old black / orange DOC blazes remain on the rocks. Above the slide, the trail becomes a fairly clear path before turning into a water bar and discreetly entering onto Carriage Road. There is a piece of flagging at this junction, but I believe it's more for forestry purposes than to mark the trail. Overall, the trail is in great shape and there is plenty of evidence of foot traffic.
Once on CR, it was an easy cruise to the summit. CR had a few small patches of snow, nothing requiring traction. Very warm at the summit with a light breeze. Crystal clear views all the way out to the ADKs. I stayed on top for about an hour soaking it in. Some minor rime at the summit, but melting fast.
Descending back down CR with some folks I know who were also up there, they went on ahead and I went down the abandoned section of the Snapper Trail. This junction was marked in the past, but is no longer. No real issues, footing was decent and the hike down was steep for a few tenths until it meets the present-day trail. Once on the ST, it was an easy walk out to the lodge site, then a road walk back to the parking area. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-11-18 |
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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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