| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Kearsarge North Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Kearsarge North Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
A couple of spaces still remaining at 10:30 AM |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction, Ice Axe |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several blowdowns, including one birch tree at shoulder height about ten minutes in. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs sighted. I'd be very cautious bringing a dog on these icy slopes. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I saw a strap of something buried in the ice, but it was too deep to see what it was and I couldn't get it out. |
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|
 | Comments: |
This trail is ICY. It starts in patches and becomes solid, glass-like ice about a quarter of the way from the tower. I used microspikes and poles on the way up, but after seeing people sliding down a slope on their butts--WITH microspikes--I made the decision to use crampons on the first part of the descent, at least until the ice became patchier again. I also used an ice axe in one hand. Overkill? Maybe, but I honestly felt a lot safer and more secure on the way down with that equipment than just my spikes and poles on the way up.
That said, you probably can do the whole thing in spikes; it's just hairier. I met a person who'd somehow made it up and down barebooted and honestly have no idea how that was possible.
Aside from the ice, the trail was in overall okay shape. A few blowdowns, but nothing unexpected for late March. It was a beautiful day, and the views from the tower were incredible. The ice made for a challenging hike, but the views were worth it. Can't wait to go back. |
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 | Name: |
fluffycat |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-03-29 |
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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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