Turnbill
Member
At 3068 feet, Tumbledown isn't on any lists, but its a great little mountain to hike with great views on clear day. This day, however was not very clear, with frequent snow squalls and temps of around 25 degrees. The cold was actually a blessing as it keep the trail mostly frozen with only few muddy spots.
The Byron Notch Road to the Brook Trail trailhead is in pretty good shape except for one section after the turnoff for the Parker Ridge Trail, where there were a few deep ruts and a small washout that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicle to cross.
The Brook Trail was mostly dry until about 1500 feet. However, this would have been a different story if the weather had been warmer. Above this, there were occasional wet and/or muddy spots which turned mostly icy after crossing Tumbledown Brook at about 2200 feet. The hiking became a bit tricky as we climbed the last steep section below Tumbledown Pond, since the light snow which was falling during most of the hike eventually began to accumulate enough to make it difficult to tell what was ice and what was snow underfoot.
Nellie and I reached the Pond just as a blustery snow squall arrived from the west, so instead of taking a break, we pushed on for the shelter of the trees at the foot of the climb to the East Peak. However, by the time we got there, the sun was starting to come out so we continued our climb. At the summit of the East Peak, another squall blew though, so we quickly headed down into the col between the East and West Peaks where the Loop Trail comes up from the south. Once again the sun began to peak through the clouds and we pushed on for the West Peak. At the top, we had a few moments respite from the snow and wind. However, we could see another squall approaching so after only a few moments rest we began our descent. We finally took a longer break in a sheltered nook on the flank of the East Peak.
On the hike down, the temps had warmed enough to make the trail a bit wetter, but not enough to thaw the mud. So overall, our timing was impeccable! Nice first spring hike (with winter-like conditions). Photos can be seen here.
The Byron Notch Road to the Brook Trail trailhead is in pretty good shape except for one section after the turnoff for the Parker Ridge Trail, where there were a few deep ruts and a small washout that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicle to cross.
The Brook Trail was mostly dry until about 1500 feet. However, this would have been a different story if the weather had been warmer. Above this, there were occasional wet and/or muddy spots which turned mostly icy after crossing Tumbledown Brook at about 2200 feet. The hiking became a bit tricky as we climbed the last steep section below Tumbledown Pond, since the light snow which was falling during most of the hike eventually began to accumulate enough to make it difficult to tell what was ice and what was snow underfoot.
Nellie and I reached the Pond just as a blustery snow squall arrived from the west, so instead of taking a break, we pushed on for the shelter of the trees at the foot of the climb to the East Peak. However, by the time we got there, the sun was starting to come out so we continued our climb. At the summit of the East Peak, another squall blew though, so we quickly headed down into the col between the East and West Peaks where the Loop Trail comes up from the south. Once again the sun began to peak through the clouds and we pushed on for the West Peak. At the top, we had a few moments respite from the snow and wind. However, we could see another squall approaching so after only a few moments rest we began our descent. We finally took a longer break in a sheltered nook on the flank of the East Peak.
On the hike down, the temps had warmed enough to make the trail a bit wetter, but not enough to thaw the mud. So overall, our timing was impeccable! Nice first spring hike (with winter-like conditions). Photos can be seen here.
