DayTrip
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With another bitter cold weekend in the forecast for the Whites I'm thinking I may just stay semi-local and hit Mt Monadnock on SUN. Had a few basic questions for those of you that hike there often.
1) Is the parking area at Gibson Pond Campground substantial? I usually do the Pumpelly Trail when I go up there but parking can be a real hassle on busy days with the narrow roadway. Was thinking of heading up Birchcroft Trail and looping several trails I haven't done before on the way to/from summit. If I get to that lot around 8:30-9:00AM can I expect to find a space typically? I drive a small economy car so cramming myself into drainage ditches along dirt roads is not a real option.
2) Was thinking of ascending Spellman Trail and returning down Red Spot Trail. I noticed on the map though that Spellman has a disclaimer about avoiding when it is icy or wet. Is it really that challenging or is this just a generic warning to inexperienced hikers? I'll have spikes and crampons but didn't know if there were Huntington Ravine type ledges, no trees to bypass ledges, etc. If anyone can comment on whether that is a good ascent choice given the current conditions it would be appreciated.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated and any info on current conditions with today's snow. Thanks.
1) Is the parking area at Gibson Pond Campground substantial? I usually do the Pumpelly Trail when I go up there but parking can be a real hassle on busy days with the narrow roadway. Was thinking of heading up Birchcroft Trail and looping several trails I haven't done before on the way to/from summit. If I get to that lot around 8:30-9:00AM can I expect to find a space typically? I drive a small economy car so cramming myself into drainage ditches along dirt roads is not a real option.
2) Was thinking of ascending Spellman Trail and returning down Red Spot Trail. I noticed on the map though that Spellman has a disclaimer about avoiding when it is icy or wet. Is it really that challenging or is this just a generic warning to inexperienced hikers? I'll have spikes and crampons but didn't know if there were Huntington Ravine type ledges, no trees to bypass ledges, etc. If anyone can comment on whether that is a good ascent choice given the current conditions it would be appreciated.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated and any info on current conditions with today's snow. Thanks.