*Help!* - where to hike this weekend without traction?!

[whichway]

A few friends contacted me last week about staying in Lincoln NH this weekend and hiking some 4ks in the area. I find out today that, while they are otherwise prepared for cold-weather hiking, they don't have any sort of stabilicer/microspike/yaktrax etc traction devices in case we run into ice.

Are there any nearby peaks where I can take these guys to hike where they won't hurt themselves?? If mountains are 'out', then where should we go?

 

[--M.]

Have done Cannon (Kinsman Ridge Trail from the north), Kinsman (Fishin' Jimmy) and Sandwich Dome (Sandwich Mountain Trail) in snowy conditions with no traction. Your experience may vary (esp. on Cannon). Have also done the Tuckerman Ravine Trail as far as Hermit Lake in the snow, and the Basin Trail to Meader Ridge in the mess, all with just boots. I would also bet that the Crawford Path to Pierce would be doable.

I would also guess that it's all highly subjective! Good luck.

--Mike.

 

[Peak Seeker]

I think I recall Osceola from Tripoli Road to be relatively mild? I will be doing Pierce this Sat but will bring traction just in case...

 

[Chip]

I'd just go for it and turn back if you need to. I often hike further than I "should" without traction and usually do fine.

CAVEAT: I'm assuming you're talking about a "normal" hike like Liberty, Cannon, North Kinsman, Pierce, etc and not a Ridge Traverse.

 

[Silverfox]

well, there's always Lincoln Woods

Mt kinsman Trail fairly mild..

and, as Chip said..give it a go..just know when to turn back...

 

[peakn]

Have hiked the Benton Trail on Moosilauke in snow with no traction. Use your judgement if it's icy especially above treeline.

 

[roadtripper]

Call them and let them know that buying microspikes and/or stabiliciers will be one of the coolest purchases they will make this year

For a good 5-mile non-peak hike, check out Bridal Veil Falls. Nothing steep or dangerous about that hike this time of the year if I remember correctly.

 

[NeoAkela]

Franconias all covered in white today - might be good to stop in to McKenzies and pick up some Microspikes just in case if you plan on any 4k peaks - doesn't look like it will get warmer before the weekend

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

Willard is not steep and could easily be done without traction. Pierce, except for going up the cone is not steep.

If you want to duck under the snow line, Pleasant Mt. ME still is clear. Starting at not over 500' it is a good hike up and has great views, if views can be had. It offers the choice of several trails. The South West Ridge trail from Denmark has perhaps the best views. The ledges trail from Mt. Ave. also has good views. Whatever the trail, at the top the views are great. It takes maybe an hour and a half to get there from Lincoln.

 

[mtnpa]

Try the Great Gulf or some of the lower RMC trails from Appalachia.

 

[Mike P.]

While Gorge Brook had a little snow & ice, no traction was required. (Caveat, I've been hiking 17 years in the winter so a couple of inches is no big deal, if you have not been on snow & ice before you may think otherwise)

As someone said, Willard is a good choice.