| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Starr King Road, Starr King Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, December 20, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I opted to use the winter parking on the south side of US 2 just west of Starr King Road. There has been some changes to the lot; boulders placed in the middle of the lot to divide it into two sections, a trash container, a bridge and path to the Waumbek country club, and crushed rock on the slightly sloped surface at the entrance to the lot. There was no hiker sign at the lot. I imagine the improvements to the lot were made by the country club.
There were three crossover vehicles and a pick-up truck in the trailhead lot. The trailhead lot's access road off Starr King Road still has some deep dips. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Many trees have been cut to permit easy passage (thanks to the person or people for this effort). A few downed trees remain but caused no difficulties. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
The lower sections of the Starr King trail had a very thin layer of snow with several short stretches of bare rocks where run-off stripped out the snow leaving ice. Microspikes handled the icy surfaces. The snow cover becomes deeper with elevation. At Mt Starr King the depth was about 20" to 24". The trail uphill from the start of the traverse was a compact base with varying depths of loose snow on top (never exceeding a few inches). The Kilkenny Ridge trail from Mt Waumbek to the blowdown viewing area was only roughly broken out (gaiters good for this short stretch). The path to the Weeks had not been broken out.
Snowshoes would be fine for most of the length but not required. Most hikers, including myself, used light traction.
Hiked with Bryant from Norridgewock ME and with a hiker from RI. Met other friendly hikers along the way. No dogs on the trail today.
Limited views due to the clouds. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-12-20 |
|
 | 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. |
|
