| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Starr King, Mt. Waumbek, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Starr King Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, December 5, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The beginning of the trailhead access road off Starr King Road has some dips that require caution but should not be difficult for most vehicles at low speed.
Parking lot at trailhead is open and in good condition. This lot is not plowed during the winter. During the snow season the parking is on the south side of route 2 to the west of Starr King Road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail in good condition. One hiker cut up some tree falls today. There is one tree fall across the trail just below Mt Starr King and another between Starr King and Mt Waumbek. Neither are difficult to get by. There were a couple of trees across the trail high above ground level that may present a problem with a snow pack. Not a problem at this time. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Two dogs on the trail today. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Most of the distance on the Starr King Trail has an icy surface. Sharp microspikes proved to provide secure footing. Worn microspikes were susceptible to slippage. One can bareboot or use beat up microspikes at lower elevations before the transition from the hardwood to the evergreens (beginning of traverse) as the terrain was mostly frozen dirt, rocks, and some ice. Snowshoes would be useless under current conditions. The trail conditions will most likely change after the Tuesday/Wednesday storm. Some mud in the lower elevation.
Nice views of the Presidential Range from Starr King and the blowdown area off the Kilkenny Ridge Trail just beyond the Mt Waumbek summit. No gray jays today.
A good group of hikers out today. I ascended most of the way with two hikers from Bartlett. At the blowdown viewpoint we met Bruce Richards (Mt Kinsman Trail maintainer) and a group celebrating a hiker's completion of the NH 48 4Ks over 70 years old with champagne and treats. I descended with this group. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-12-05 |
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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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