| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Flat Mountain Pond Trail, Gleason Trail, Bennett Street |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, November 24, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There was one car on the lot when we arrived at 8 -plenty of space for a bunch more folks. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All water crossings were -okay -depending on your comfort with wet, snowy, icy conditions. We managed across everything -however we did have to scout out safer spots due to strong water levels and slippery conditions. On the first crossing more significant crossing of the Whiteface River I barefooted across, however my husband was able to rock hop. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A variety of blowdowns on the Flat Mountain Pond Trail -walk overs and unders that were easy to manage. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Didn’t see one (one of ours is still healing a torn CCL -poor pup!) |
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 | Bugs: |
None -it was awesome |
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 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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 | Comments: |
Celebrating another turn around the sun and working to wrap up the Waterville Valley/Squam Tab for trail tracing/redlining. We started the day early and were glad we had some extra time -we went counter clockwise -coming out at Bennett Street. Less snow along the East Side of Flat Mountain -bare to 1-4 inches. We didn’t need any traction for the day (although coming down I did throw micro spikes on just in case -but really didn’t need to). The closer we got to the pond snow levels increased some and there were some drifts -but very manageable. We debated on and off if snowshoes could have been helpful at a few points -however there just isn’t enough snow cover or depth in spots to make them really helpful…yet. The extra time was so helpful as we needed to double check our bearings a number of times, as the trail is a bit tricky to follow at points. We found the section along the side of the pond an area we had to watch carefully. If anyone gets out there be sure to check your own maps as our tracks for the most part are okay -but you’ll see where we had to do some checking around. Lunch at the shelter was great and the walk down towards the Bennett Trail was fabulous -we found so many bear tracks -it was super, super cool! More consistent and deeper snow on this side of things (maybe 5-6 in.) At the hairpin turn the water was pretty high -a couple of well placed logs made it workable. We cruised on out via Gleason and enjoyed the almost full moon and sunny afternoon skies. The only people we saw were a couple of cheery guys headed up to the shelter for the night and one fellow meandering on the beginning section of the Flat Mountain Trail. |
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 | Name: |
BloodrootVT |
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 | E-Mail: |
Bloodrootdesignsvt@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-24 |
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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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