Trails have remnants of ice monorails starting at about 2200' progressing to about 12 inches of soft snow and ice above the Jennings Peak junction.
Water crossings on both trails required boots-off icy treks for us but the crossing on Drakes Brook is rock hop-able for those with long legs. One blowdown on Drakes Brook and two or more on Sandwich trail, all easily negotiated.
Special equipment needed: Light traction worked above the Jennings Peak junction. Many bare booted it and it won't be long before traction won't be necessary at any elevation.
Gorgeous day to be out; surprised we didn't see more people on these trails.
Our descent on Sandwich Mountain trail took longer than anticipated as we ran into (almost) a huge growling, hissing beaver just below Noon Peak. I heard him growling at me and looked up - he had to be 2-3 feet tall and would not let us by. With nowhere to bushwack around, we backed down the trail and waited 10 minutes for him to leave but not after we tried to shoo him off the trail using various unsuccessful tactics.
Water crossings on both trails required boots-off icy treks for us but the crossing on Drakes Brook is rock hop-able for those with long legs. One blowdown on Drakes Brook and two or more on Sandwich trail, all easily negotiated.
Special equipment needed: Light traction worked above the Jennings Peak junction. Many bare booted it and it won't be long before traction won't be necessary at any elevation.
Gorgeous day to be out; surprised we didn't see more people on these trails.
Our descent on Sandwich Mountain trail took longer than anticipated as we ran into (almost) a huge growling, hissing beaver just below Noon Peak. I heard him growling at me and looked up - he had to be 2-3 feet tall and would not let us by. With nowhere to bushwack around, we backed down the trail and waited 10 minutes for him to leave but not after we tried to shoo him off the trail using various unsuccessful tactics.
