| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Sunapee - South Peak, Lake Solitude, Lucia's Lookout, Mt. Sunapee, White's Ledges, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Newbury Trail, bushwhack, Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, spur path, Solitude Trail, ski trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, April 3, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking is at the lot by the info booth and caboose on the shore of Lake Sunapee, then walk up the road to the trail. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The small crossing at the start of Newbury Trail was a little dicey in the morning due to black ice. It was a little better in the afternoon. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few fallen tress across Newbury Trail: two large ones below Rim Trail and 4-5 of varying sizes above it. Other trails are fine. All trails blazed well and junctions are signed. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a few today. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
Early shoulder season conditions in this area. Lower part of Newbury Trail is mostly bare with an occasional ice or snow hanging on. Upper part of Newbury Trail has an intermittent but stable monorail that ranges anywhere from a few inches to maybe a foot in depth. Same for Solitude Trail and MSG from north shore of Lake Solitude to a little beyond the south shore. Once beyond that snow and/or ice are at minimal depth on the ridge to Lucia's Lookout. I did the on/off routine 3-4 times with a pair of rock spikes and they served me well. It seemed I was in the Microspike minority today - I would suggest taking them for the time being.
I wanted to enjoy the day in relative peace so I came up with this out-n-back to Lucia's Lookout. On the way to Lake Solitude I did short whack to what I believe was Sunapee's South Peak. Upon arriving at Lake Solitude there were already a couple of folks on White's Ledges so I continued south, stopping at the ledgey viewpoint about half way to Lucia's Lookout. Once at my destination I had a very quiet lunch: only noise was a loose metal trail marker nearby. On the way back I inexplicably had an notion to go up to Sunapee's summit. There is still skiing going on and in chatting with the rescue crew I'm told the plan is to remain open through next weekend. Descending I decided to detour to White's Ledges where there were just a handful of people relaxing. Others were still coming up Newbury Trail mid afternoon as I was heading out.
On MSG I encountered just three trail runners and three pooches. I had forgotten what a roller coaster the Sunapee Ridge is: many ups and downs - and doubly so on an out and back. Abundant sun made me think it's just about time to put some sunscreen in the pack. In all a fine day and I pretty much found what I wanted. |
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 | Name: |
HMJ |
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 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-04-03 |
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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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