| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Gunstock Mountain, Belknap Mountain, Piper Mountain, Swett Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Gunstock Mountain Trail, Winter Shortcut, Ridge Trail, Brook Trail, Saddle Trail, Blue Trail, White Trail, Old Piper Trail, Piper-Whiteface Link, Vista Trail, Swett Mountain Trail, Piper Mountain Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, January 16, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
One other car in the Carriage Road lot at 0830. Twenty (!) vehicles in the lot and on the road when I returned early afternoon. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Just one on this route - on Piper Mountain Trail - with a wooden bridge in good shape. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
As usual in this area all trails are well blazed and signed - and are in excellent shape. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a couple enjoying the day. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Trails on this route are well tracked and well packed except for Vista Trail and Swett Mountain Trails. Although those two trails had some prior traffic, they were mostly unconsolidated - more so approaching Swett Mountain - but snow depth was maybe 3" so not a big deal. Microspikes were ideal on the packed trails and fine for the others. In 24 hours the conditions will change anyhow.
A real gorgeous day to be out: lots of sun and blue skies with near zero wind. Crisp views were had from all of the usual places - I had forgotten about the nice directional views on Swett Mountain. Obviously, lots of folks on Gunstock but on the trails I only saw one other in the Gunstock-Belknap col and dozen others on and ascending Piper Mountain on my way out. Another excellent day wandering this fine range.
When I got back to the lot an SUV pulled in with a family inside. I was asked if there was anywhere to ski here (um...Gunstock?) and could they walk there (um...not really). Apparently, they punched "Gunstock" into their phone GPS and the first result led them to Carriage Road. I told them they needed to go to Gunstock RESORT a few miles away. Doesn't anyone do ANY research or planning any more??
|
|
 | Name: |
HMJ |
|
 | E-Mail: |
trailsntrees(at)gmail(dot)com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-01-16 |
|
 | 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. |
|
