| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Martha, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Cherry Mountain Trail, Mt. Martha Spur |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, February 18, 2017 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The southern trailhead on Rt. 115 is not plowed. I parked across the street at a plowed out area on the corner of Lennon Road, where there is room for two cars. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few minor blowdowns on CMT. One minor blowdown on the spur that was getting beaten to death by snowmobiles. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Not today. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
|
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|
 | Comments: |
Deep unbroken snow right from the get go. I could see remnants of an old snowshoe track, but it had been filled in. 6-8" of powder to start with down low, increasing to 1-2 feet higher up. Going was very slow, with snow up to my thighs in places. Took me 3.5 hours to go the 1.7 mi. to the ridge. I considered turning back, but the clearing weather motivated me. About 0.2 mi. from the ridge, a group of four came up behind me and broke out the rest. Thanks guys!
Once on the ridge, the spur was packed by snowmobiles, and a few came up while on the summit. Skies cleared with fantastic but somewhat hazy views.
The group had left before me, providing a nice track part of the way down. Unfortunately, I encountered two barebooters who were heading up. I asked if they had snowshoes, they said they were in the car. :( By this time, temps were warming and the snow pack was soft, and they had really beat up the track. I don't think they summited, as I saw them in the parking area as I was leaving.
I don't usually get into the snowshoe wars, but this was a bit frustrating to see. I busted my butt to break out that trail. Please please please bring and wear snowshoes if the trail is unbroken, not consolidated or soft. Please. It's good for the trail, it's good for other hikers and it's good for you. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2017-02-18 |
|
 | 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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