| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Monroe, Mt. Washington, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Nelson Crag Trail, Cog Rail Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
third car at ammo |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues with any crossing, though the 'new' trail on Monroe Brook required thought |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I am not sure if Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail (New) is actually open, but the brush in that's been keeping people off of it for the last 2 years was removed. There are no blazing and its not finished yet |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A FINE day to be above the trees. 38.3 degrees on the summit of Washington with a peak wind gust of 12. We departed from the USFS lot, noting much recent work by Sidehill and Poptart the week prior. At approximately 0.9, took the new trail corridor which was a delight - because it was something new! It was quite easy to follow but its apparent the attempt to make it sustainable will end up in multiple herd paths in short order cutting the switchbacks. Footing is still very mushy, resembling that of the North Twin reroute. This one is better because there are not 5,000 straw size roots trying to trip you. Not many things want to hurt you on this one. It's a big ambiguous around Monroe Brook and it looks like if they are doing something resembling the Trans Continental Railroad, that being that area is the 'golden spike.' We found the crossing here to be a bit thought provoking and inorganic. It's also somewhat challenging and we are in a drought. We dumped out right at the Gem Pool. Preceding this its a mix of pretty much every surface - but not for very long. At 3990 there is an abrupt need for spikes, and they where absolutely needed to ascent from this point (before the first water crossing, near the waterfall). The level of heroics required without spikes is not worth it and far too dangerous unless you bring a hovercraft or are able to walk on water like Jesus. In hindsight, spikes where needed to LOTC, and then that was it for the day, I kept mine on until a little after passing Lower LOTC. Monroe out and back was nice and quick. Lower LOTC is frozen solid, so much so I walked to the middle of it. Ascent of Washington from here is again like the seek button on the radio of conditions, every 15 seconds it changes. No need for spikes. Amazing day on the big boy. Saw six total all day. A Canadian helicopter kept us company coming down the Cog as he would fly right above us, then run away... then come back a few minutes later, and do the same. This continued for the majority of the descent and was quite comical. The Cog swath is very Tom Wiggins like - steep and loose. I really enjoy the natural coal, railroad ties, I beams, and fasteners that litter the ground here and into Burt's Ravine. Very scenic. Foster's has 19.3oz tallboys of Athletic hazy ipa so we hung out in the sun and enjoyed our expensive hop water. Congrats to bradygirl1 for gridding NOVEMBER! |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat, Bradygirl1 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-11-20 |
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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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