| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Daniel Doan Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, November 24, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There is a small lot at trailhead. Some confusion as to whether hiker parking is permitted. There are DOC signs indicating that this is the parking lot for the Daniel Doan Trail. However there are also signs indicating that there is no parking because it is a snowplow turnaround area. We parked there (it was not snowing and the road had been plowed since Tuesday's/Wednesday's snow) and we (and other cars parked there) had a note placed on our windshield which read: "Can you not read? No parking." If you don't park there, there are a few turnouts on the road before the lot, and there is parking lot for a Upper Valley Land Trust property a little ways down the road. The road itself was bit slick from recent snow and thawing. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The one water crossing was rock-hoppable once you picked out a route. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns or other obstructions to note. Lower portion of trail is quite muddy. ATV tracks added to the muck but this would be muddy under almost any circumstances. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The shortest route to Smarts but not a trail I am anxious to hike again. Apart from the parking issue, the trail is quite wet and muddy. On the other hand we saw plenty of animal tracks, including a large set of bear prints. We used spikes from the outset. You could bear boot it but the spikes helped where it was ledgy/steep near the top. Finally, this is an active hunting area so make sure to wear orange during the season. |
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 | Name: |
LarryD |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-11-25 |
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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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