| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Parker Mountain (Strafford), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Spencer Smith Trail, Whippoorwill Trail, Link Trail, Mooers Loop Trail, NH 126 |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed parking at the Spencer Smith trailhead along NH 126. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A couple of small drainages were open and flowing across Mooers Loop Trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Blazing on Spencer Smith still needs to be redone in a standardized manner (currently a mix of faded rectangles, spray painted dots, and painted can lids). I did notice that the confusing blue blaze marking the southern terminus of Spencer Smith Trail (which is blazed in red) was gone. I had mentioned this to the Strafford Conservation Commission so maybe someone removed it? Spencer Smith has one large blowdown about 0.25 mi. from the south ledges that has fallen in two pieces. Mooers Loop Trail has a cluster of leaners close to the highway. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I had the honor of breaking out these trails today. The good news was that the snow was very light and fluffy. The bad news was there wasn't enough of it! Looks like this area only got about 3-4 in. of new snow from yesterday's storm. It wasn't quite enough to cover up all the rocks but snowshoes were still the way to go. I only saw one other hiker without snowshoes. So, parts of this route are currently a mix of snowshoe and boot tracks.
Mooers Loop Trail had some areas of open running water which I skirted around in the woods. Didn't look like anyone had been on this in a while.
I also popped down Whippoorwill Trail for 0.2 mi. to the clifftop viewpoint, which rivals the south ledges on Parker. Glad to have another nice outlook up there. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-01-17 |
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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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