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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Moosilauke, NH
Trails
Trails: Benton Trail, Beaver Brook Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Room for about six cars at the junction of Tunnel Brook and Tunnel Stream roads, and for several more up the side of Tunnel Stream Road. See Comments below re: road-walk.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Tunnel Brook near the old trailhead is, with a bit of effort, rock-hoppable right now.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The Benton Trail is in surprisingly great shape post-Irene. There are three blowdowns, all of them from before the storm, and none are trouble. There's evidence of some strong Irene run-off in a few sections toward the top, but the trail is only minimally damaged. The whole thing is as walkable as if Irene never happened.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: This is a great route for dogs, but be cognizant of the water situation. From the crossing of Tunnel Brook up to the spring at 3,700 feet there are a few small rivulets, none of which would be a dependable water source after a dry spell. From the spring to the summit there is no water.  
Bugs
Bugs: None. It's fall.  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Tunnel Brook Road sustained some serious damage during Irene, especially in the first half-mile or so from the junction of Tunnel Brook and Tunnel Stream roads. But it is still fairly easily walked. From the junction to the old Benton Trail trailhead is about a 30-40 minute road-walk.



We met a surprising number of people going up and down the Benton Trail, about two dozen total. One group told us they didn't know there were other routes up Moosilauke. (!!) At the summit was the usual mob scene (wow, there *are* other ways to get up here!) and usual gale-force winds. Outstanding views today. (Someone asked me -- seriously -- "Can you see New York from up here?" No, I said, just New Yorkers.)



This was our first hike when Polly and I walked with the spirit of Tuckerman rather than his physical presence, and we had a few melancholy moments. We had moments of grace, too. In one form or another, Tuckerman will be with us on every hike we take from this day on.



Thank you to Clay, Sandra and Val for moral/emotional support today, and especially to Tim C for joining us on the first couple of miles despite some very sore feet after yesterday's long run. All of you -- and the entire White Mountain hiking community -- have been nothing but generous and loving to Cindy, Polly and me over the past 10 days after our loss. Thank you.



Photos, including photos of Tunnel Brook Road damage, at link below.  
Name
Name: The Feathered Hat 
E-Mail
E-Mail: stevebjerklie at yahoo dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2011-10-09 
Link
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/99682097@N00/sets/72157627749181181/ 
Bookmark and Share 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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