| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Moosilauke, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ravine Lodge Road, Asquam Ridge Trail, bushwhack, logging roads, Gorge Brook Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Still at angle parking. A post yesterday seemingly implied the poster had made it to the summer lot. I will give them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't go through a sometimes-now-open-gate due to construction on the Lodge (that they snuck in with them) - and deliveries - or around another barrier later on - to get the beta they posted. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings bridged |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few blowdowns, nothing a hand saw cannot fix, on my short usage of Asquam Ridge Trail |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A FINE day to get a checkmark for April 30. God kills kittens when you don't write trip reports, and makes it rain in the warmer months when you don't wear snowshoes in winter. I opted for a bushwhack of a familiar and favorite spot in the Jobildunc Ravine area. I found the section of Asquam I was on largely snow free or avoidable. The spots not, where about 6" of rotting snow. I did not find any treasure today of the calcium kind - however I did find an incredibly old axle, to what type of vehicle is unknown. It was about 4'6" in length, with brake calipers, and a "1911" stamp on it, which would imply its a relic of the Champlain Realty Co.'s logging operations from 1916-1924 (Steve Smith assist). Two what the simplest explanation are hubcaps where found immediately next to it, Also found a slip chain in the area as well. A huge score! I unearthed it but left in largely in place, so if someone else as crazy as me stumbled upon it, its obvious. I did my normal zig zagging of logging lines, finding new ones, and exploring areas seemingly skipped by the axe - ending up on Gorge Brook Trail around elevation 3900. The snow off trail was so consolidated I was able to bare boot bushwhack over 1 to 1.5' of old snow. On the trail, I donned spikes and kept them on until almost the Hurricane Mountain Trail junction upon return. Exposed summit areas are snow free, the large orange alpine vegetation sign is growing taller, about a foot taller since my visit a few weeks ago. Speaking of alpine vegetation, it was disheartening to see a local 'legend' posting on social media their typical pose, with 3 others, and their photographer all very clearly trampling in the alpine vegetation to achieve the shot. I counted seven signs they walked past and ignored to take their photo. I guess being kind is a thing preached not practiced. Oh well, as long as you get likes on social media who cares. Summit was socked in but t shirt weather. Solid rail, of varying width, until about 3300, of which it is in varying states of decay until last sure water (3100). From there, it solidifies until about 1/4 mile above Snapper/GBT junction, of which it again enters a varying mix of decay. Below junction its still good for a bit. With any sun or temps warmer then 45, you're going to want to atleast have snowshoes just in case - even though mine went for a ride. Still feet of snow up there |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-04-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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