Mt. Israel via Wentworth Trail (and Bearcamp River Trail to Beede Falls) March 10, 2012.
Diamond Ledge Road to Mead Wilderness Base Camp plowed to the visitor parking area; parking area open and partially plowed (Sandwich Notch Road not accessible by car). Trail had 4+ inches of new snow over packed surface. One blow-down close to the Mead trail junction (went under it). Some ice on the steeper portions due to the previous warm days.
Recommended equipment. We wore microspikes, which helped with the steeper and icy sections but they also collected softballs of snow under them, which reduced their traction and made us walk like ducks until we kicked the snow off. Saw a few hikers wearing only winter hiking boots, which seemed to work fine.
Comments. Perfect winter hike! Snow showers were drifting down through the trees, branches were heavy and white, and sky cleared at the summit to spectacular views! Not a lick of wind. We also hiked to Beede Falls, a short walk from the Mead parking lot. Very pretty!
Diamond Ledge Road to Mead Wilderness Base Camp plowed to the visitor parking area; parking area open and partially plowed (Sandwich Notch Road not accessible by car). Trail had 4+ inches of new snow over packed surface. One blow-down close to the Mead trail junction (went under it). Some ice on the steeper portions due to the previous warm days.
Recommended equipment. We wore microspikes, which helped with the steeper and icy sections but they also collected softballs of snow under them, which reduced their traction and made us walk like ducks until we kicked the snow off. Saw a few hikers wearing only winter hiking boots, which seemed to work fine.
Comments. Perfect winter hike! Snow showers were drifting down through the trees, branches were heavy and white, and sky cleared at the summit to spectacular views! Not a lick of wind. We also hiked to Beede Falls, a short walk from the Mead parking lot. Very pretty!
