Mount Kearsarge

Trails Used

Access road, Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I wrote a report for this last weekend and I did the hike again both yesterday and today. The melt is happening quickly and it is FAR more hike-able than last weekend's report. Many other people were enjoying it. Today our entourage was an AMC NH group of 11. There are still areas of ice and I recommend microspikes that are already beat up ("rock spikes"). If you are staying on trail some ice is still unavoidable on both Winslow and Barlow. Going counterclockwise was very helpful. Great hike- it was a beautiful day to squeak this in, in between the rainy forecasts.

Parking

Gate is still closed

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

None today, but there were some yesterday evening. Not biting, but foreshadowing.

Trails Used

Access road, Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was absurdly icy on both Winslow and Barlow. On Winslow, it starts just below the halfway mark and it is dramatic. Staying to the left at the halfway avoids what is jaw dropping to look at but you will not escape it entirely. Much of the trail is unavoidable ice. The summit itself is mostly ice free but going down Barlow does not spare you for long. Barlow is even worse because when the ice starts, it's relentless and that trail is naturally longer. Much of that ice can be stepped around but a lot can't. Sharp spikes would be ideal (and crampons not unreasonable) but rock spikes did the job and sharp spikes will quickly become rock spikes. This week is supposed to be warmer so maybe this is all just wasted words. Right now though, without traction it would be a new Olympic event of downhill figure skating. Be careful.

Parking

Gate still closed.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Not one!

Trails Used

Access road, Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Extremely icy. After the 1 mile road walk, I didn't make it beyond 1/2 on the trail before hitting an impassible wall of ice.. even with K10s. A trio started minutes before me and they turned around before that. Be careful!