Hurricane Mtn from the North

[lz242t]

I plan on leading a group up Hurricane Mtn next month using the North side trail. I have a two questions.
1. How well maintained is O'Toole rd in the winter? I would like to park at the Crow Clearing trailhead but worried about getting 2 wheel drive vehicles up the dirt road.
2. Is Gulf Brook LeanTo mostly vacant in the winter?

Thanks for any info
Dan

[TCD]

O'Toole Road is open to the snowplow turnaround, which means about 1/4 mile of additional walking to Crow Clearing. I have only parked at the turnaround on nice days when the plows were not active; parking there might be contraindicated on days when the plows need to use the turnaround.

Gulf Brook LT is very popular with families, but it does not get a lot of winter use, so you will probably be OK. If you plan to really count on camping, you may want to bring tents, in the event the LT is full. There is a large designated camping area right across Gulf Brook from the LT, and it's an easy walk to bring camping gear in there.

Have fun! It's a great area in any season.