| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Middle Sugarloaf, North Sugarloaf , NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Zealand Road, Sugarloaf Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, March 6, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand Road is gated so parked in large lot just east on US Route 302 |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Great shape |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great dog hike. Piper had no issues. |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Snowshoes were used for the entire hike. Zealand Road was snow covered and broken out by other hikers and skiers. Several tracks. Once on the Sugarloaf Trail it was surprisingly fairly well broken out given snowstorm 1 1/2 days ago. Once getting up to the junction of either going to Middle or North Sugarloaf snow was deeper and not broken out as well. This was due to the increase in elevation and windy conditions blowing snow back on to the trail. Saw 2 people with a friendly dog descending from Middle Sugarloaf before reaching the T junction. Surprisingly they had snowshoes attached to their packs and were using micro spikes. I’m not sure why they weren’t wearing snowshoes but I didn’t ask. They were not ruining the trail. They were not going to hike to South Sugarloaf.
I saw no one else on the trail just someone behind me hiking on Zealand Road.
The ladder going up to the top of Middle Sugarloaf was mostly snow covered and Piper had no issues using it. It took a little bit of time to descend the ladder with snowshoes as they are to big for the rungs. Really no ice on the trail. Amazing views from both summits especially Middle Sugarloaf. Presidential Range with Mount Washington was pristine in its winter white.
Bright sunshine with temps in tne low 30’s but very blustery. Could see snow blowing off the summit of Mount Washington. Winds must have been incredibly high up there.
Overall a great hike to complete Piper’s 50th hike on 52 with a view. Only one more as dogs are not allowed to hike Mount Monadnock. |
|
 | Name: |
Goldrush and Piper |
|
 | E-Mail: |
lr1230@metrocast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-03-07 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
