| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Zealand Trail, Ethan Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, November 10, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand Road was still open, We were the first car in the main lot at about 8am. When we left the main lot had spaces for about 4-5 more cars. No one in overflow |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Slush |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All the minor streams were easy to cross via rocks or just stepping over |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There’s a blow down nearish the start of the Ethan Pond Trail (not too far from the junction with Zealand Trail), from Shoal Pond Trail towards Ethan Pond Shelter the bog bridges are in rough shape -some pretty much all rotted and broken, others better |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a couple having fun -great hike for pups |
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 | Bugs: |
None -woo hoo!!!! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trail tracing to finish up Ethan Pond chad - about 15 miles round trip -on a decent day. Pretty grey and overcast -temps and wind feeling much more wintry. My husband barebooted and I wore trail runners with rock spikes in the morning (afternoon everything was sticky, slush, and mud on Zealand Trail) -we were both happy with our footwear choices. Ethan Pond Trail had easy to negotiate snow through the notch and to the shelter. After Shoal Pond Trail the Ethan Pond Trail got pretty mushy with mud, water, snow and slush -not hard to negotiate but an extra pair of socks could be helpful (one boot sucking moment -but the gaiters saved me!) As noted the bog bridges in the lower section are pretty rotted out -further up by the shelter they are more helpful. On the way out we had lunch at Thoreau Falls and then back out. We saw four folks on Ethan Pond and a few more heading to the hut. Saw boot prints heading out the Shoal Trail. A grey day -good for dialing in the winter gear and still getting out there before winter really drops in. |
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 | Name: |
BLOODROOTVT |
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 | E-Mail: |
Bloodrootdesignsvt@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-10 |
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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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