NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Dorset Peak, VT
Trails
Trails: Tower Road Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, January 24, 2016
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Slightly limited room at the plowed pulloff at the end of Tower Rd. in Dorset. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes, Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The only exposed one was easily rock-hopped. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The trail was "unofficial", but was in good shape and easy to follow. Only one major blowdown, near the top- easily bypassed. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: None on the hike itself, but when I tried recording a closing clip at the trailhead, I attracted the attention of a house dog. 
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: The term "officially trailless" is a misnomer- there are woods roads and ATV trails all over the place, and there are at least a couple well-known routes to the top.

The trail was tracked out for about a 1/2 mile or so, then the tracks abruptly ended. Even so, the snow cover was thin enough that snowshoes weren't necessary (although they would be helpful in some spots). Either snowshoes or light traction would work; I wouldn't recommend barebooting this one since the middle part is rather steep in places. Once on the ridge, I was passed by a group of snowmobilers coming from Danby Four Corners who also happened to pack out parts of the route for me (thank you!). The summit was wooded and viewless but had a canister (signed it), a derelict sign, and an old jug.

After this hike, I'm at 28/50 on the New England 50 Finest and 70/100 on the New England Hundred Highest. Good day out with some solitude.

I've posted a video recap on YouTube for anyone interested. T'is in the link below...  
Name
Name: Spencer 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2016-01-24 
Link
Link: https://youtu.be/tFBzhY6oABg 
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.

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