| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Dartmouth, Millen Hill, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Jewell Trail, Boundary Line Trail, Jefferson Notch Road, bushwhack |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Ammonoosuc Ravine Lot, several other cars Wednesday morning. Hung my National Parks pass to avoid the fee. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Spring Snow |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Clay Brook was still bridged, minor crossings have collapsed but are easy to step over |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All good |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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|
 | Comments: |
Amazing day on more trailless peaks; with such favorable snow conditions the other day for Mt Deception, figured I'd take advantage and visit the other side of the Dartmouth Range.
Jewell Trail was bare boot tracks but no post holes, snow is still incredibly supportive at 7am, becoming sticky and soft by 10am.
Boundary Line Trail had no recent traffic, snowshoes all the way for some efficient travel. No recent snowmobile traffic on Jefferson Notch Road for still more quick moving.
Near the height-of-land in Jefferson Notch, cut into the woods and almost immediately found the blowdown patch folks talk about - stayed more north on the return trek - pushed through to find beautifully open forest for the remainder of the trek up to Millen Hill. Great views from just below the summit of the middle-Presi's, better views on Mt Dartmouth, however.
Retraced my steps until I got a view to the ridge of Mt Dartmouth and dropped into the col, more friendly woods through here and after a quick ascent up to the southeast-running ridgeline found fantastic views from atop the solid snowpack. There used to be the Mt Dartmouth Trail running on or near the ridge - I feel like I found and retraced sections of it, the woods were so open in most places atop the ridge, really great trekking with this snow crust.
After the southwesterly swing toward the high point the summit was not hard to locate, through a brief patch of mature conifer blowdown, which was easy to navigate through. Snowpack still seems to be ~4', perhaps more in places and rock hard in the morning hours, pays to start early!
A brief write up will be included below for your viewing and reading pleasure. Enjoy!
Happy Climbing! |
|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-03-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/mt-dartmouth-millen-hill |
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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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