| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
The Captain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Sawyer River Trail, Hancock Notch Trail, Livermore Road, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, December 7, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Sawyer River Trail along the Kancamagus was plowed enough to shove several cars along the shoulder. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Swift River was doable, pillow topped rocks were hardly snowy after several others (skiers?). Many other crossings are bridged. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Seemed all good on trails. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Wait for snow to consolidate, or use packed trails. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Saw some little fellas flying around, not interested in me, however. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Sawyer River Trail (Meadow Brook Snomo), Hancock Notch Trail, Livermore Road (FR 86/86A), bushwhack
What a day in the woods, that was a tough one. Lots of snow out there to break through and seemingly even more waiting up in the boughs to crash down on winter hikers.
Sawyer River Trail began as me snowshoeing alongside 1 narrow ski track until reaching the snowmobile corridor where it joins at the Nanamocomuck ski trail. 3 or 4 sled tracks someone compacted the snow, snowshoeing was just a hint more efficient here than completely breaking trail.
No tracks on Hancock Notch Trail prior to mine going in. Crossed Sawyer River carefully (it was much more hairy on the return, deep and coooold river water), then departed HNT to work through trailless woods toward the old landing/siding area. Used the connecting logging road for its bridge across the North Branch.
Livermore is snowmobile tracks down low, until ending at the North Fork turn around/911 Helipad site. The old road corridor is easy to pick in the forest as it continues for a ways. Even after FR 86A fizzles out on digital maps it can still be followed for a bit. The forest alternated between really nice and easy to trek to thiiiick spruce/fir. The most taxing of the adventure were the snow loaded conifer boughs which await the slightest jostle from just over head. GoreTex shells come in very handy for this, but do get hot.
Picked a route up an icy chimney feature while working toward the summit, that was super fun - sturdy hand holds and one crampon point in the rock to hoist oneself up!
All in all, I think I'd like to experience the regular summer route and hack off 5-miles from this route. The snowshoeing was beautiful but when my mind checked out on the trek out, it was no longer enjoyable. Anyone attempting this may want to give the forest canopy some time to shed some snow - although, looking at the Sunday-Monday forecast, may be a real treat to attempt next week.
As always, if you're looking for a write up with more substance, feel free to check out the link provided.
Happy Climbing! |
|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-12-08 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/the-captain |
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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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