Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Surprise, Mt. Moriah, NH |
|
| Trails: |
Carter Moriah Trail |
|
| Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 |
|
| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the power lines, as did another 4 cars. There is room for maybe 1-2 more cars. |
|
| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
|
| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
| Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
|
| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There is evidence of recent saw work (thank you!) so it’s likely that you know the following information. Briefly, there is a triple-header of leaners below Mt Surprise; it has been delimbed and is an easy walk under. Just above it there is a paper birch lying in the trail (not across it) but it is easy to get around. The problem is the gnarly conifer above the triple header but below Mt Surprise. It has not been delimbed and there is an ugly, muddy herd path to the right (because that’s really the only option). I took a close look at it and delimbing it would make it a reasonable clamber-over.
There are two more stepovers and a lot of leaners above Mt Surprise but none are obstructing. |
|
| Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw one. Cutest. Pup. EVER! |
|
| Bugs: |
Not yet - yay! |
|
| Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Comments: |
I barebooted to just below Mt Surprise and then rocks spikes from there, until I returned to that point. My snowshoes went for a ride but I was glad that I had them - that snow is deep and the sun is warm! I didn’t need them because I got an early start and was back at my car by noon. I would absolutely recommend bringing them for the foreseeable future.
There is moose poop at about 3300’; it was there as early as Saturday (confirmed with some friends who hiked this on that day). I haven’t seen moose sign on this trail before, so that was kind of neat.
I was entertained by dark eyes juncos, and the ever present grey jays, at the summit. It was a terrific day for this peak! |
|
| Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl |
|
| E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-04-17 |
|
| 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. |
|