Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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| Trails: |
Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, April 6, 2022 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Dorchester Road past Dartmouth Skiway was unpaved and had soft mud on it. Parking area turnout was muddy with flowing water on it. Our all wheel drive vehicles had no problem reaching this area. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Easily rock hopped |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Overall good conditions |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Piper and Suzette who are experienced” hikers” did well. They were able to avoid the area’s of thick ice by walking in the woods. |
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| Bugs: |
Few flying around |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Leaving the parking lot the Lambert Ridge Trail was free of ice and snow. The ledges were dry. Encountered softening ice/snow descending into the col and as we ascended we put light traction on. After passing the junction with the Smarts Ranger Trail the ice became quite thick but was stable. With warm temperatures the spikes were able to grip and hold onto the ice. Going to the sides of the trail there was far less ice and we and the pups were able to ascend and descend without much difficulty. The wooden steps were clear of snow and ice but all but the lowest iron rung were covered. We avoided hiking on this area. Above this where the grade eased there were a lot of moose droppings. Part of the tentsite where there is a nice view and fire pit were clear. The fire tower was open with fabulous views. The old fire warden’s cabin was open. We hiked somewhat past the tower which had deeper snow to the high point and there were trees where moose had stripped the bark off to eat.
Descended via the Smarts Ranger Trail was essentially walking in a stream bed but there was not a lot of mud.
Overall a great hike with the group. |
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| Name: |
Goldrush and Piper |
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| E-Mail: |
lr1230@metrocast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-04-07 |
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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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