| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Greens Cliff, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Sawyer River Trail, Nanamocomuck Ski Trail, snowmobile corridor, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, January 5, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Trailhead for Sawyer River Trail (on Kanc) was more or less completely snowfree aside from what had been plowed. Parked on gravel, far off the roadside. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Swift River was doable - the only time I donned Hillsounds all morning. FYI- the river had risen at least 3" when I came back through around 10:30am.
Meadow Brook is bridged on the snowmobile trail |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Seems good enough for now. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I wouldn't bring a dog on a bushwhack (maybe a 500-highest) for a multitude of reasons. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I don't think so. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Beautiful day out there, could hear the wind roaring from 2900', that is why I chose to stay lower and wooded - my plan worked perfectly, stunning day in the backwoods. Swift River was rock-hoppable with spikes in the morning, had risen at least 3-inches by the time of my return crossing 3.5hr later - be mindful of rivers crossing in mid-day sun.
Sawyer River Trail and the snowmobile corridor was a flume of ice, which eventually mellowed out to a nice section with a dusting of snow. Thankful to have Meadow Brook bridged, entered the woods just beyond, along an ooooold old, way overgrown snowmobile trail (saw the old sign still nailed to a tree). This overgrown path guided a bit into the woods, in the direction I wanted, but when it started to arc back west, I left it and went rambling through a mossy boulderfield, which led, eventually, to hardwoods which were peppered with spruce. Oak and birch track pretty far up the western slope of Greens, I tried to stay in patches of nice, open forest but occasionally got plunged into a sea of evergreen boughs. None of the coniferous encounters were terribly thick - only needing a good "swimming" technique to slide on by and not snap spruce branches.
There is some evidence of minor flooding in the woods before the pitch becomes entirely steep along the upper west ridge. Also some rather significant white pine damage in one area, looked like their tops had been blown clean off from wind gusts. Some blowdown here and there but nothing that could not be worked around, or stepped (climbed) over.
Reaching the climb to the summit ridge was steep, with blocks of exposed conway granite to pick a route between. There is some exposure and consequence to the route I ascended, much less of a grade on the descent (slightly more S, I believe). Tight spruce along the summit ridge, but again, nothing ever oppressive or treacherous, it was just something to navigate through, all good.
Reached the false, southern summit which has a glass canister placed. I was not going to sign in, so with a glance into the narrow window of vista, I boogied over to the real high point which has a painted orange canister. If I pried any harder on that cap, it (or me) would have broken. Did not seem frozen, perhaps seized from all the spray paint on that poor PVC.
Just beyond, I found the mossy ledge with a view, not nearly as expansive as others have described without craning my neck all over the place to see around nearby conifers. Great view to the shoulder of Tremont, Owls Head and Bear Mountain. Once I had my fill, I returned just the way I came, not intending to revisit the false summit, but I passed by as the forest encouraged this.
Going to sign into the glass jar register, I noticed none of the pages stapled (not a booklet, just a wad of loose paper), the two pencils were sharp and in good working order. I carry a spare notebook in my bag for just these opportunities. As the wind funneled through spruce trunks, I signed into my own new notebook, rolled it up with the other goods and replaced it all into the glass jar. Hopefully it will see lots of fun and interesting entries, or it will just get taken down due to it being a double, and at the wrong location.
Oh, so.. snowshoes went for a ride, while getting themselves snagged on just about every spruce twig I passed; Hillsounds were used only for both crossings of Swift River.
Anyway, there is a fresh Greens Cliff blog post with color photography waiting at the link provided. Enjoy!
Happy Climbing! |
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 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
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 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-01-05 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/greens-cliff |
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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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