Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
|
| Trails: |
Ranger Trail, Lambert Ridge Trail |
|
| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 26, 2019 |
|
| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
a few spots left |
|
| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
|
| Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
| Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings were easy and insignificant |
|
| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Large blowdown across Ranger trail at 1.6 miles. A huge gnarly widowmaker hanging above trail a bit further down, leaning on a clump of smaller trees that are all leaning precariously. some clogged water bars on AT. |
|
| Dog-Related Notes: |
Parked next to a few trail runners and learned one of their dogs had run away near the summit on AT. They were going to drop the one guy off and owner was coming back to continue search. I got her name and called for her every 100' or so on way up Ranger. Just below AT intersection I ran into Ed, who had found the very scared pup and heard me calling for her, assuming I was owner. I used Fin's leash to secure her and together we were able to find owner's number amidst a mountain of husky fur. We then waited a bit at intersection while he hiked back up and there was a very happy reunion.Was really thrilled that this story had a happy ending-losing my dog in the mountains is my worst nightmare on trail. Other than that, several happy dogs on trail, including Fin |
|
| Bugs: |
nope |
|
| Lost and Found: |
We found one lost dog and happily returned it to her owner |
|
|
|
|
| Comments: |
Ranger trail get a bad rep-it was not NEARLY as wet as it is made out to be. Compared to Basin Cascades and Kinsma Ridge it was like walking in the Sahara Desert. The last slabby section was soaked, but the grades are so easy it doesn't matter. The mile of AT below the Ranger intersection was WAY wetter/muddier than anything on the Ranger trail, to my great surprise. Awesome loop to finish redlining Smarts. Awesome views from the tower. |
|
| Name: |
Spence and Fin the dog |
|
| E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-10-26 |
|
| 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. |
|