Patrick B wrote:I'm wondering about heading up to Mansfield this winter. I'm planning to snowshoe to the base of the Hell Brook Trail then ascend from there. I'm guessing crampons and an ice axe will be necessary but if you have any gear recc. that would be great. Anyone know about the Red Tape in the winter?
And if anyone is interested in coming, send me a PM.
patb
Hey Pat,
I'm assuming you know the road will be closed at the ski resort entrance, so a mile or so of walking will be neccesary before reaching the trailhead. The upper reaches of the trail will be where most of the challenges are. If there has been no recent traffic, routefinding will become an issue. You may be able to get away with MSR snowshoes for the entire trip but bring crampons & axe for sure as you very well may need them. I'm not familiar with the red tape but I know people hike up to the top all the time and ski down.
Have fun and let me know how it goes! the Hellbrook is one of my favorite trails anywhere.
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:06 am