 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
Early fall is the preferred hiking season for many people, and the peak climbing season for Monadnock. Temperatures are usually cooler than summer and there are fewer bugs; the colorful foliage is a bonus. But the short days make careful trip planning necessary, and fallen leaves or ice and snow cause slippery walking. Hunting seasons are a concern for some people.
Some days particularly in early fall may be hot and humid with insects like summer, so the precautions in Summer Hiking Considerations should be reviewed. Particularly in late fall, snow and below-freezing temperatures mean that Winter Hiking Considerations should be observed. An additional concern is the daily temperature variation. Clothing that seemed adequate in the middle of the day may not be warm enough after dark. Getting wet may cause hypothermia instead of a cooling relief. Below freezing temperatures at night may cause ice particularly early and late in the day.
While a cool drink from a mountain spring used to be one of the pleasures of hiking, concern about waterborne disease has caused many day hikers to bring water or sports drinks from home instead. For longer hikes including overnights, it may be easier to use natural sources and treat the water by filtration, boiling, or chemicals before drinking it. Many of the valley trails in New Hampshire follow large brooks which contain some water year round, while ridge trails may only offer seasonal springs which run dry when you need them most. If you plan on using natural water sources, check the map for possible water stops and prepare to adjust your route if necessary.
Many mountain streams that dry up in summer will contain more water in fall; while the amount of rain may be similar there may be less evaporation in fall due to lower temperatures and less water will be used by plants. Cooler temperatures may make it less desirable to get wet, and there may be ice particularly early and late in the day. Listen to weather forecasts if you plan a trip with major crossings and adjust your plans as necessary.
Many state park roads are gated regardless of conditions at the end of the park season, which may be as early as Labor Day. National Forest and private roads may be gated for the snow and mud seasons. Minor town roads and some private roads may not be gated but may not be plowed either, and you will have to decide whether you want to drive on them or park further away and walk a greater distance.
The White Mountain National Forest now has a web page for seasonal closures of Forest Service roads, which doesn't list quite the same roads as once appeared on the New England Peakbagging web site.
People who don't wish to hike during "hunting season" will have to confine their hiking to wildlife preserves because New Hampshire allows hunting seven days per week, and some small game can be hunted all year long. Many hikers are willing to hike during small game and bow seasons but prefer to avoid the rifle season for deer which runs from early November to early December and is not prime hiking season anyway. You can reduce your already minimal chances of being shot by using popular trails, wearing bright clothing, using lights near dawn and dusk, and talking loudly or singing in areas where you suspect hunters may be present - in essence, the exact opposite of what you might do if you wished to see wildlife yourself. If you do see an animal, don't shine a light on it or you may be arrested by a game warden for illuminating wildlife.
While during temperature inversions the high peaks may actually be warmer than the valleys, it is more usual for them to be 20 to 30 degrees colder than southern New Hampshire. The major White Mountain summits often have occasional snowfall in September, and by October you can expect the winter's snow to start piling up. Also watch out for icy trails after it has been below freezing at night. By November, expect winter conditions to be in effect.
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |