NH Tramper
Member
Date of Hike: Nov. 15, 2012
Trail Conditions: Minus one easy-over early on, Beaver Brook Trail was clear of blowdowns, though some branches were down and moved to the side. Thanks to whoever took care of them. The trail started dry and nearly frozen but along the cascades we started seeing some ice on the steps and rocks, and a dusting of snow in places. By the fifth set of steps, or thereabouts, we strapped on our Microspikes for better traction and more peace-of-mind. Soon after the trail diverted away from the cascades, even though there was a heavier dusting, we were able to take the spikes off for a while. On the ridge, however, we did put them back on. There was only one quasi-significant ice floe on the trail that I recall. On the Benton Trail, at least the .4 mile section we hiked, there was a light dusting of snow with patches of ice, but no spikes were really needed. Mud was frozen enough to support us without being rock hard. The one crossing, down low, was still easy but some rocks were getting glazed.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were really helpful with traction as noted. Trekking poles were helpful with balance, especially for the crossing. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked this one with a good friend and we had a great day with nice, calm conditions. There was only one other person seen at the summit shortly after we got there. Nice fellow; he was doing the Gorge Brook / Carriage Rd / Snapper loop I did last time. Tons of beaver activity by the pond; very aptly named brook. Nice hike!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
Trail Conditions: Minus one easy-over early on, Beaver Brook Trail was clear of blowdowns, though some branches were down and moved to the side. Thanks to whoever took care of them. The trail started dry and nearly frozen but along the cascades we started seeing some ice on the steps and rocks, and a dusting of snow in places. By the fifth set of steps, or thereabouts, we strapped on our Microspikes for better traction and more peace-of-mind. Soon after the trail diverted away from the cascades, even though there was a heavier dusting, we were able to take the spikes off for a while. On the ridge, however, we did put them back on. There was only one quasi-significant ice floe on the trail that I recall. On the Benton Trail, at least the .4 mile section we hiked, there was a light dusting of snow with patches of ice, but no spikes were really needed. Mud was frozen enough to support us without being rock hard. The one crossing, down low, was still easy but some rocks were getting glazed.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were really helpful with traction as noted. Trekking poles were helpful with balance, especially for the crossing. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked this one with a good friend and we had a great day with nice, calm conditions. There was only one other person seen at the summit shortly after we got there. Nice fellow; he was doing the Gorge Brook / Carriage Rd / Snapper loop I did last time. Tons of beaver activity by the pond; very aptly named brook. Nice hike!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
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