| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Carter Dome, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bog Brook Trail, Wild River Trail, Rainbow Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat River Trail, Ramparts Path, Carter Notch Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed winter parking available on Carter Notch Road about 1/2 mile before summer trailhead. This is a private lot that is provided mostly for Jackson Ski Touring. Overnight parking requires written permission from the owner. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I counted a total of 13 water crossings, none of which were difficult on this day. Water levels are low, and most crossings are frozen over although there were a couple where I snowshoed on rocks and dipped the tails into the water a bit. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
As far as trail maintenance, all the trails looked good. No or very little paint blazes on Bog Brook, Wild River, and Rainbow Trails. A few blue diamond ski markers here and there, but they are few and far between. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Love that Jackson Ski Touring allows dogs, but man there’s a lot of poop. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found TWO small moose sheds! |
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 | Comments: |
I’m gonna give this hike a “10” because Rainbow Trail was so incredibly beautiful and the solo snowshoeing was downright effortless there (being a bit less effortless on the lower trails).
Started off spiking up the groomed road/ski trail of Carter Notch Road, walking on the side and not in the (pretty icy) ski tracks and wide middle part. Snowshoes on, I took the Bog Brook Trail and not the FR 233 bypass which is an option for avoiding the 3 water crossings on BBT. There were old ski tracks here. The snowshoeing was mostly good, albeit LOUD on the frozen crust which I’d break through and sink 3 or 4 inches every 15th step or so.
After the FR 233 crossing, Bog Brook Trail was remarkably and consistently postholed 2-3 feet deep by the resident moose for pretty much its entirety. Also some ski tracks here and on the 0.7 mile piece of Wild River Trail which was much appreciated because it meant I didn’t have to search for the trail in the open hardwoods. Shed #1 was found on BBT.
The main event of the day, Rainbow Trail, was everything I’d hoped for and more. I FLOATED atop the crust 95% of the time and was treated to spectacular views of the Baldfaces and other surrounding peaks from the extensive birch glades which are among the nicest I’ve seen anywhere in the White Mtns. Staying on trail was a challenge in the long stretch of open glades, but with the aid of GPS, I did my best. (For anyone contemplating this trail in winter, would strongly advise GPS and map/compass and the ability to use all.) Once in the softwoods, the trail was easy to follow. Moose shed #2 was found in here. Both the birch glades and reaching the southerly knob with its spectacular views were the highlights of the day!!!
0.8 mile from the knob I was on Carter Dome. Incidentally I was thinking that it would definitely be worth the side trip to this southerly knob for those doing Carter Dome the “regular” ways. I switched back to spikes for the hardpacked, postholed plunge to Carter Notch Hut, where I refilled my water and had a nice chat with the caretaker.
Wildcat River Trail was traveled recently by skiers and is well blazed in yellow so was easy to follow. Checked out The Ramparts on my way past. WRT had more moose postholes in its lower sections; these were easy to navigate through. Probably the hardest trail breaking of the day was WRT from FR 233 to BBT, breaking through the crust every 3rd or 4th step (ugh), but it was only 0.3 mile to BBT thankfully. From here I retraced my morning route back to the car.
On the drive home I couldn’t stop thinking about those birch glades… |
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 | Name: |
Snowflea |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-14 |
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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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