| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Martha, Owlshead, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Cherry Mountain Trail, Cherry Mountain Spur, Martha's Mile |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, February 6, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot unplowed and its entrance is blocked by a snow bank. There was space available to park on the shoulder without crossing the white line despite moderate snow banks. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are one or two blowdowns on the Cherry mountain and Martha's mile trails that eventually will require work. They are easy to get around without damage in the snow, but herd paths could develop in the Summer. Martha's mile is very well blazed. Few blazes on the Cherry mountain trail, but it's easy to follow. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Would probably need help on the final scramble to Owl's head. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Except for the spur trail that is shared with snowmobiles, the trails hadn't been broken out at all. Snow depth varied from 5-6 inches near the trailhead to over three feet in the col between Martha and Owl's head. Snow was very soft and we often sunk even with snowshoes. Two people attempted the hike in micro-spikes, but had to turn around, despite following our group of six snowshoers.
Including us and the people who turned around,there were only nine hikers on the mountain all day. Due to this light traffic, the trails will never be compacted enough for spikes by the time the next major storm wipes out our work next week.
There were many respectful snowmobilers on the Cherry mountain spur.
The final scramble up Owl's head was challenging. Using roots and tree trunks on the left hand side was essential for success. |
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 | Name: |
Al S |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-02-06 |
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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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