| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moosilauke - South Peak, Mt. Moosilauke, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Glencliff Trail, South Peak Spur, Carriage Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Room for several cars in the dirt parking area off Sanatorium Rd. (near the Glencliff House). A logging operation looks to be going on nearby, so watch out for logging trucks while driving to the trailhead. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A few small/minor crossings- no problem. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No issues- being a link in the Appalachian Trail, the Glencliff/Carriage Road route to Moosilauke was well maintained and easy to follow, even in winter. South Peak spur was also in good shape. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The snow depths along the lower part of the Glencliff Trail were really thin for late January, and in a few areas, there were exposed rocks/roots on the trail and bare ground on south-facing slopes off to the sides. Around the halfway point, snow depths rapidly increased, and by the time I got to the Carriage Road/South Peak spur junction, there was about two to three feet of snowpack. Lots of rime ice above treeline as well, whether on treetops, cairns, or the ground.
The trails themselves were broken out and very well packed down for the most part. The very beginning of the Glencliff Trail had only a couple sets of footprints due to most people bypassing it via the logging road that started near the trailhead, but once the trail met up with the road (which petered out just beyond that point), it was like a sidewalk almost to the Carriage Road junction (footway got a little soft, but still firm). Near and above treeline, the Carriage Road had some softer and choppier areas, as well as sections of hard-pack. The South Peak spur looked like it hadn't been tracked out in a little while, but it had a solid base underneath 2-3 in. of powder, so I had to watch my steps to make sure I didn't accidentally step off-trail and posthole to my knees or waist.
The entire hike was doable in light traction, although some may prefer snowshoes for the South Peak spur and Carriage Rd. Pick your poison.
Very frigid up on the Moose, but the nearly cloudless sky made for some amazing views. The snow-draped forest was also a pleasure to walk through. Only saw three other people (and a dog), all of whom were going down as I was going up. Another one in the books for the Winter 48! |
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 | Name: |
Spencer |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-01-29 |
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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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