| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Moat Mountain, Middle Moat Mountain, Southwest Moat Mountain, Spruce Hill, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Moat Mountain Trail, bushwhack, Boulder Loop Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
One car at Boulder loop (fee) another at Moat Mountain tr. both lots are well maintained, though the road in between is seasonal, making for a longer drive to car spot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Route: We followed Moat Mountain tr. over the south and middle peaks, past Red Ridge junction and down to the col between Red Ridge and the north peak. We then launched a bushwhack, cutting towards the ridge headed down to Southwest Moat and followed that ridge to the col and up to the peak. The highpoint is recognized. We bushwhacked mainly directly down towards Spruce Hill, favoring the west when too steep. Only one cliff required significant digression from the straight heading. We crossed a cut and walked up to the recognized highpoint on Spruce Hill. We cut back to the east end of the ridge and a nice view with a cairn. We then bushwhacked to the Boulder Loop Tr., hitting it near the spur and taking is clockwise down.
Surface: In general, trails were hard and icy, requiring light traction. Some significant blue ice on South Moat, but nothing too bad. Both trails had some postholes, with Boulder loop being more significant. Off trail, snow was mainly supportive; snowshoes were a must.
Bushwhack woods: no complaints or exceptionally thick woods. Some tighter spots near middle moat. Mainly open and easy going this time of year. |
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 | Name: |
bryan, zporterColdRiverCampCook |
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 | E-Mail: |
zap88@tds.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-12-26 |
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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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