| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Carrigain, Stillwater Junction, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Sawyer River Road, Signal Ridge Trail, Desolation Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, February 11, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty at Sawyer River Road-Rt. 302 junction. It’s plowed but very icy! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water levels are low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Top of Desolation Trail had quite a few low branches, but this trail doesn’t get much winter traffic. No/very few blazes on designated wilderness trails. Had to double check GPS here and there in the more open sections of Desolation and Carrigain Notch Trails. A few blowdowns here and there. Worst one was a short distance from Stillwater Junction on Carrigain Notch Trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Three of us made the big lollipop loop up and over Carrigain with a side trip to Stillwater Junction in order to connect blue lines (winter WMG trailbagging). Was a gorgeous day for a hike up this lovely mountain followed by a little journey into the Pemi.
Sawyer River Road is well traveled by snowmobiles. Signal Ridge Trail was barebootable in roughly the lower half, but we wore snowshoes for the upper part due to drifting and a few inches of new snow. On the summit the real adventure began.
Desolation Trail is wicked steep but great fun! Up high we were barely sinking in in snowshoes as the base was solid and consolidated. Descending, we gradually broke through a little deeper. There was some tree grabbing and butt sliding happening here. The lower half mile or so involved negotiating some drainage issues where the snow was undermined, leading to more sinkage. Was better to stay higher on either side rather than walking in the lowest part. Some moose activity here.
Made the side trip to Stillwater Junction deep in the Pemi. Lots of animal tracks but none of humans. :)
The 500’ climb to Carrigain Notch was long but gradual, with generally good snowshoeing (a few tedious drainage dips in here). Views of Lowell Mountain were outstanding. We were happy to complete the loop and hit the well traveled Signal Ridge Trail once again and were able to bareboot from there.
Almost made it out without needing lights! |
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 | Name: |
Snowflea |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-02-12 |
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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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