| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Middle Sister, Mt. Chocorua, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Champney Brook Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff, Middle Sisters Trail, Piper Trail, West Side Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was one of three when starting around 8 a.m., and there were maybe a half dozen when I finished shortly before 1. Room for at least another dozen or so cars, but was definitely icy. Note the $5 parking fee. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings had plenty of packed snow covering them. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Largely clear, aside from very overgrown/crowded part of West Side Trail, which had a couple blowdowns. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Definitely fine, except for some of the final scrambles up Chocorua. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
I believe there was a mitten left on the iron ranger in the parking lot. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Discovered today that I'd put off the intimidating Chocorua & Middle Sister far longer than I should have--both were absolutely incredible. Gorgeous weather, gorgeous views, and (mostly) gorgeous trail conditions!
Started with Champney Brook Trail, then took the Champney Falls Cutoff and Middle Sisters Trail over to Middle Sister. Champney Brook Trail was a dream, and, although parts of the Cutoff and Middle Sisters Trail were drifted over, it was generally easy going!
Decided to take the Middle Sisters Trail all the way back to the Champney Falls Trail, rather than dealing with the Cutoff again. Also largely perfect, again, aside from some slightly drifted over areas.
From there, took Piper Trail up to the summit. The trail itself was well broken out, but there were definitely some sketchy sections on the final scramble up to the summit. Rather than go down the same route, opted instead for West Side Trail, which was definitely broken out recently but was heavily drifted over and completely obscured in parts. From the junction with Liberty Trail back to the junction with Piper Trail, the rest of West Side Trail was heavily overgrown in areas not broken out at all, although it definitely is somewhat now! Have no clue how long that will be the case, though, with the drifts. From the junction with Piper Trail, took Piper Trail, then Champney Falls Trail, back down.
Again, absolutely gorgeous, and largely easy, except for the aforementioned parts where it very much so was not. |
|
 | Name: |
Amelie Crowe |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ameliecrowe22@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-06 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
