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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Rand Mountain, Mt. Klem, Mt. Mack, Mt. Anna, Straightback Mountain, Mt. Major, North Straightback Mountain, East Quarry Mountain, West Quarry Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: Logging roads, Old Clough Road, Dave Roberts Quarry Trail, Klem-Mack Loop, Mack-Anna Trail, Anna-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, Quarry Spur Trail, Quarry Bypass
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: The new Quarry Mountain trailhead on Reed Road was not plowed...however there is a pull-off a short distance beyond with enough parking for two vehicles. Mine was the only one here today. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: A couple of the smaller crossings here were tricky due to softening snow. At a couple of other places water was running underneath the snow on the trail and provided a surprise when I punched through. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Just a handful of branches down along this route. The BRATTs always do a fantastic job in this area with signage, blazing and maintenance. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: I saw one between South Straightback and Major which seemed to be doing well. 
Bugs
Bugs: Snowfleas...almost the entire way. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing. 
 
Comments
Comments: I was in search of a spring hike and I got it here...for better or worse. I'd say the snowpack averages 6-12" with some spots more and others less. This morning the snow has a bit of a crunch on top but became very soft and heavy as the day wore on. Walking around the parking area I determined snowshoes would be the way to go and I was VERY glad I did as they stayed on the entire trip. One fellow I crossed paths with between Mack and Anna doing the BRT traverse wished he had them - and left some good postholes behind to warrant it. Most of these trails had seen some recent traffic - and most of that was a lone snowshoe track. The trail between South Straightback and Major was a postholed mess in spots while the Quarry Trail west of West Quarry hadn't seen any recent activity. Coming off of West Quarry there was zero chance I was going to descend the steeps and opted for the by-pass. The softening snow made for some difficult descents and maddening ascents of other short, steep sections encountered.

Other than the BRT hiker and a dozen or so folks in the Major/South Straightback area I didn't see anyone else today. This route provided a number of unique views along the way as well as shelter from the wind. Despite the full on shoulder season trail conditions it was still a fun trek and a fine day to be out.  
Name
Name: HMJ 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-04-08 
Link
Link: https:// 
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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