| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Baldface, North Baldface, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Baldface Circle Trail, Bicknell Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
First car in the massive lot on 113, no issues. Lot was dry, nice two-stall bathroom which I didn't need to use, could smell it from across the road though ;) |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water was a bit high on the final crossing of Charles Brook on the trek out but with a little focus on footing, completely do-able. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few minor step-overs with a mildly wet trail on the ascent, hopped lots of rocks. Bit of mud and wet leaves on the lower section coming off N Baldface while approaching Charles Brook |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw some foot prints of dog + human on N Baldface but never ran into anyone. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Not a one! |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing I can recall. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Beautiful loop clock-wise around Baldface Circle (South to North Baldface). Dry trail up to the split at Emerald Pool, then the trail had minor standing water under the inch of fallen leaves which was avoidable by careful rockhopping. After the Baldface Shelter/Leanto came the ledges, mostly dry with a few quick sections of frozen flowed water which covered the trail for 8' or so in length. Not a chance of ascending past with bareshoes/boots so threw on the Hillsound spikes and stomped those into the ice for traction - too steep for a slip on those ledges!
Tried to stay in sunlight for the remainder of the ascent which proved dry rock. Some ice on trail and snow off trail in the col, ice was again avoidable by using rocks to hop along. All remaining ice was avoidable by looking for and stepping on dry rock, made travel a bit slower but for a solo adventure it was what worked.
Couple of lovely re-routes on the descent of Bicknell Ridge Trail. Hunters were out playing with their guns nearby around 9:30am as I approached the final mile toward rt113, had bright colors and a bear bell just to have something going for me. Assuming the South ledges will be much more ice and snow after todays mess coming down, will probably need some good, hearty traction to ascend. Great climb and epic 360 views though! |
|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-11-16 |
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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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