Day Hike on the AT W1/HA-008 Smarts Mountain

We finally got a break in the rain so I was able to sneak away and do a 7.5 mile loop to the summit of Smarts Mountain W1/HA-008.

Although Smarts is only 2400 feet high, it is a moderately challenging hike that introduces AT through hikers to the state of New Hampshire. Technically this summit is not in the White Mountains. But it is a significant peak and tends to condition hikers for some of the summits to follow. The biggest complaint I hear is that there are no switchbacks. This trail always seems to be wet and it’s loaded with biting bugs.
Welcome to New Hampshire!

Band conditions still seem a bit poor but I did manage to double my QSO count compared to last week with 14 in the log. I even worked 2 stations in EU which is something I haven’t done in a while. @F4WBN and @OK1ZE Thanks for chasing.


Hiked up the AT and down the Ranger Trail.


This cabin is available for an overnight. There is also a tent site just below the summit that has enough room for a couple of tents.


Smarts Mountain Fire Tower is no longer active.

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I will be in that area next week for camping and it gives me more hiking trail options when I read your stories.
Thanks for the nice report.
73, Eric

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Hi Eric,
Always a pleasure hearing from you. Glad to hear you’re coming back next week. My plans are not quite settled yet but if I get out on SOTA I’ll look for you. Always fun to work you S2S.
73,
Fred WX1S

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TNX for activating this one and providing the nice report, Fred!

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Hi JB,
Thanks for checking in. QSO’s seem to be hard to get these days.
Oh and I forgot to mention, I ran into 5 northbound hikers on the AT. One just graduated High School and is only 18. What a way to start life.
73,
Fred WX1S

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Great write-up, Fred. I was glad to make a contact with you. You were my first SOTA contact of the day.
73 Gary

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Hi Gary, glad to be there. The bands were not in the best of shape but you were FB copy!
CU on the next one.
73,
Fred

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