Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Surprise, Mt. Moriah, NH |
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| Trails: |
Carter-Moriah Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 14, 2019 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for 6 cars or so in a little dirt lot near the end of Bangor St |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), 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: |
I could actually see blazes most of the way |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
For a mountain that barely clears 4,000 ft this seemed like a long and rugged hike. I found it to be a bit of a grind at times, and it felt like more than 9 miles. After Surprise, it feels at times like the trail just meanders through the woods (albeit uphill most of the time), while sending you up steep pitches to gain altitude, only to immediately go downhill and give it all back. The last mile or so has some face slappers, but not too bad compared to the Carters. I got an early start this morning and the temps were chilly, so the monorail was frozen firm. I wore snowshoes, but could have gotten by with spikes. Temps were probably twenty degrees warmer on the descent so it softened a little, but not so much as to cause sinking. The hike may have seemed long, but I was rewarded with sunny skies and clear views at the summit. The high point boulder is bare, so it made a nice place to have lunch and relax. I had the summit to myself, and hung out for about an hour with the view and the gray jays. I had considered heading down via Stony Brook, but I was unsure of conditions and worried about possible high water so I opted to return the same way. Saw only 3 people on the descent, and the third said he had attempted to go up Stony Brook, but wasn't about to attempt the first crossing and so turned back. Made me glad I didn't go that way. Was a bit of a slog, but a great day in the Whites nonetheless. |
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| Name: |
K Mo |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-04-14 |
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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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