Trails Used

Mt. Cube Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

A few spots where mud under the wet leaves was a bit slippery, especially on descent. Two teeny tiny spots of snow still hanging on, nothing we couldn’t step around, though. Was tempted to wear trail runners, but glad we decided to go with waterproof boots, glad we had them for the wet and muddy spots.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping water crossings, only one was truly tricky, the others were pretty straightforward.

Trails Used

Kodak Trail, Mt Cube Trail, North Peak Side Trail (DOC)

Trail Conditions

Notes

First seasonal hike in the trail-runners! Didn't use the microspikes or crampons. Trace ice along Kodak Trail, barely noticeable. Green colors are returning to the forest floor quickly! Easy footing overall, except for the small talus field in switchbacks above Hexacube. A few occasional slick spots throughout the hike due to AM showers. Kodak felt like the most scenic approach to Cube. A few moose droppings near Hexacube and below the summit cone. For redline purposes I descended Mt Cube Trail towards Rt25A to ~2600ft. There was a little bit more ice on the north side, but no need for traction. Very glad to tag North Peak Trail. Prime views of the Baker River Valley with Moosilauke/ Clough to the northeast.

Parking

Parked at the gate. Easy drive-up from Quintown Rd. Notable. A neighbor advised that logging trucks pass through the intersection of Quintown Rd and Mousley Brook Rd. Due to wide-turn of logging trucks, do not parking on the north side of the Quintown/ Mousley Brook intersection. If parking at the intersection, park closer to the Mousley Brook Bridge. (this is useful if doing the Doan/ J-trail loop on Smart's Mountain.)

Water Crossings

Rock Hop near Hexacube.

Wildlife

I walked through a few of the first spider webs of the season. A few flies buzzed by in moist areas, but they were not bothersome

Trail Conditions

Notes

Some trail markings hard to find

Water Crossings

Water crossing at Mt. Cube can be tricky

Trails Used

Cross Rivendell Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

First mile bare boots, rest of trail spikes definitely needed, very thick and solid ice. We removed spikes the last 1/3 to 1/4 mile from the summit. Sharp spikes definitely needed but with those it was fine.

Water Crossings

N/A

Trails Used

Mt. Cube Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Nice hike from 25a up Mt. Cube Trail. lots of ice flows and frozen monorail. Microspikes the whole way up. Some spots of bare ground and mud. Ice Flows about 2400 feet were pretty consistent, watch your footing and bring hiking poles for stability. Overall a good trip aside from the water crossings.

Water Crossings

Brackett Brook crossings were a puzzle. scouted downstream for 1/8 of mile with no luck, went upstream 1.8 mile from crossing and found some not great options. Went for it upsteam about an 1/8 of mile and bushwhacked bac to trail. Had to do some rock jumping onto icy rocks with the crossing on the way up. Pick your comfort level. Come back across and found a crossing a little closer to the trail crossing. Real chance of going in right now.