| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Percy Peak, South Percy Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Snowmobile trail, Old Summer Club Trail, Percy Peaks Trail, South Percy spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, February 5, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We gathered in Groveton to consolidate into two cars, but were pleasantly surprised to find plowed parking for a few cars near the gate on Christine Lake Road in Stark. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Jimmy Cole Brook was open and easily crossed on the way up, and a bit more open on the way down due to rising temps, still still easily crossed. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several minor blowdowns on the actual hiking trails. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I would not have brought them today. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
An epic, rarely done climb of the Percys in winter. This was a long (sure seemed long), tough but amazing experience.
From the parking area, we walked out onto Christine Lake a bit for the views and then over to the snowmobile trail, which was well packed. We saw a few sleds go by. I barebooted this section, others wore spikes.
OSCT was where the fun started as we switched into snowshoes. Completely unbroken with 6 or so inches to start and 1-2 feet higher up on top of an already deep base. Our group of six swapped out breaking trail. Fortunately, grades are mostly mellow until the steep climb to the col, but it was still a lot of work.
We had planned on using crampons to get up North Percy, but the snow was so deep we kept the shoes on to ascend PPT to the summit. A few sketchy areas of ice on the steep slabs gave me pause. Descending, I opted for Hillsounds as I felt more secure in them.
The climb to South Percy was probably the most difficult part of the day. The spur trail / herd path to get there is unrelentingly steep (I'd forgotten how much so), and snowpack was very deep, putting us high in the trees with lots of face slapping. This 0.3 mi. trip was a grind with lots of backsliding in snowshoes. On top of South Percy, views were greatly enhanced due to the deep snow. We tried to get to the jar, but it was within an ice-encrusted tree. That's the second time in a row I haven't been able to get into that jar. :)
Back down in the col, we retraced our track down, which was much easier. We walked the snowmobile road out as it was getting dark.
Phenomenal views from both peaks, really awe-inspiring to be out there in winter. Light flurries followed us down. If anyone else goes this way, there is a decent track now, but snowshoes are still definitely needed. Good luck! |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-02-05 |
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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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