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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Jennings Peak, Sandwich Dome, NH
Trails
Trails: Smarts Brook Trail, Sandwich Mountain Trail, Jennings Peak Spur, Yellow Jacket Trail, Pine Flats Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, June 4, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Mine was the first one in the SBT lot @ 6:30. Still plenty of parking available mid-afternoon. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: A couple of small ones on SBT were not an issue. Others along the way are bridged. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Many felled trees on the SBT and a couple on SMT of varying sizes, ages, heights and difficulty of passage. Most of these are easy small step overs but a couple need some creativity to get through. Trails are well signed. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Saw two ascending with their owners. Three others with theirs were out for a walk on the XC ski trails. 
Bugs
Bugs: A few skeeters in the afternoon with rising temps and a decreasing breeze. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: There's a stabilicer thingy hanging from a tree on the YJT. I left it there. 
 
Comments
Comments: This is a great way to ascend Sandwich Dome: the grades are easy and the footing is excellent in addition to being mostly soft. There are some giant boulders about 2/3 the way up which are fun to explore. I personally enjoy the sights and sounds of running water and there is plenty of that here. Trails are mostly dry but there are spots of wetness and/or mud throughout - nothing troublesome.

After making good time the the end of SBT I headed toward Jennings Peak and was surprised to find nobody there mid-morning - and was even more surprised to have it to myself for about 40 minutes when I decided to press on. I arrived at the summit to find just three folks...nice to meet Trish up there! After they left I stayed behind for 20 minutes or so in solitude and headed out - I passed just four people on their way up. I found the Yellow Jacket and Pine Flats ski trails to be a fine alternative to the 'road' portion of the SBT...especially passing by a beautiful gorge near the end.

This was one of those hikes that seemed a lot easier than the mileage and elevation would indicate. Having most of it to myself was a nice way to enjoy it. And thanks to KenM's report from yesterday for providing fresh intel literally while I was planning this route last night :)  
Name
Name: HMJ 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-06-04 
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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