NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Chandler Mountain, Sable Mountain, NH
Trails
Trails: FR 17A, bushwhack, FR 5046, Slippery Brook Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, November 4, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: I called the Saco Ranger office earlier in the week to confirm status of Slippery Brook Road and was told it was open. Upon driving it today I did not see any signs of washouts or felled trees anywhere, save for a very small bit of erosion near some running water off the west side, guessing 1.5 miles or so from the Slippery Brook trailhead. There was just one other vehicle at the Slippery Brook trailhead at 8 AM and just one different vehicle there when I returned mid-afternoon. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The Slippery Brook crossing just beyond the gate on FR 17A was a bit of a problem: the water was just high enough and running just hard enough such that you will get you boots wet - it's just a matter of how wet and if you can keep your balance. I spent some time going up and down the brook looking for a reasonable crossing point and found one downstream that was as good as it was going to get, using a couple of sticks found near a fire pit for balance. The crossing of Slippery Brook coming off of FR 5046 to the Slippery Brook Trail was rock hopped today. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Slippery Brook Trail had no issues. Two arrows help to point the way when heading north. No issues on these forest roads other than being a little overgrown in places FWIW. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Didn't see any. 
Bugs
Bugs: Didn't see any. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing. 
 
Comments
Comments: Once across the brook on FR 17A it was easy going. At the end of the road at a clearing I took a nearly straight line to the summit of Chandler through fairly open woods and using game trails. I noted just three others signed that register this year. From there I had wanted to head toward the col between Chandler and Sable but found good woods slightly to the NW so I followed that maybe catching pieces of the long abandoned Sable Mountain Trail early on. No issues to the col but staying on that side of the ridge I encountered thick woods for the ascent to Sable. Once I made the correction onto the ridge the woods opened up and I was able to follow game trails here and there right to the top. While eating lunch and reading Sable's register I noticed just one other entry from 2017 (?) I then walked Sable's SE ridge - with wide open woods and nice views - straight down to FR 5046. I took that road to Slippery Brook Trail back to the lot.

This loop and made for fun, mostly open walk in the woods - and of course I hiked this entire route in complete solitude. With all of the reports of blowdowns and trail damage from this week's storm it was good to not feel guilty about going around fallen trees :)  
Name
Name: HMJ 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-11-04 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved