| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, NH |
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 | Trails: |
US 2, Starr King Road, Starr King Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 22, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Starr King road... do it if you dare. the last 200 feet or so are pretty grim. I bailed, not wanting to make a substantial contribution to my mechanic. The vehicles that made it on my way up were two large trucks, a lifted jeep, and ... a well-loved subaru outback. On my way down though, a good crowd got bold with their rav4s and similar SUVs. To each their own I suppose. I parked down by the gas station. There was a lot immediately across from the entrance to starr king rd but it seemed to be associated with a golf course and it wasn't obvious if hiker parking was condoned there, so I walked the extra quarter mile or so up rt 2 from the corner store. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None on which to comment |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Generally in good shape, parts of the first half mile or so could probably use some drainage love in the spring |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw 4 today, all seeming to have a great time. I imagine this would be a great hike for them- nothing that technical and the snow isn't crazy deep |
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 | Bugs: |
not a single one - best part of winter hiking |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Snow was thin/patchy but present from the trailhead. There has been a decent freeze/thaw cycle below 3200' ish which means if you're traveling with subfreezing temps, it's absolutely microspikes time. I carried mine and opted not to put them on as temps near freezing kept the snow/ice just soft enough I figured it was more likely to just get balled up in the spikes. I assumed I would spike up on the way down but it warmed up even more and I had no issues, but definitely glad I had the option. Above 3200' or so, the snow deepens considerably and aside from sun-affected areas there isn't much crust or granular. The trail is very well packed down so I never regretted leaving the snowshoes at home, but one more storm (or traveling anywhere above 4000') and it would definitely be go time. There was quite a crowd up there today, most in spikes, some barebooters and a few intrepid snowshoers. Overall a beautiful day in the mountains |
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 | Name: |
frontogenesis |
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 | E-Mail: |
forecasterjack@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-11-22 |
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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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