| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Hutchins Mountain, Unknown Pond Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bushwhacks, Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 2, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At end of Mill Brook Rd. room for 6-8 if people park close. Room for a few on road or after bridge down closer to UPT trailhead |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
West Branch of Mill Brook which had many log crossings available |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
UPT (Mill Brook Rd. side) had mud and water on trail down low. Some of the trail is gone from the stream. Some of the mud is thick and has a bypass on it. Some trees down over the trail but are step overs . Kilkenny Ridge Trail was fine |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Both would have been good dog routes. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Mill Brook Rd. is in excellent shape.
We did Hutchins first. Went basically west from the parking lot through the logged area (found a "trail" on the way out that starts just down the road from the parking lot which was easier way in and out). Most approach Hutchins from the Jefferson side and Lost Nation Road. We wanted to get both peaks so this seemed quicker. The woods were EXCELLENT! An easy bushwhack is one where I don't draw blood, or get a branches slapping my face or any other assorted injuries. NONE of those happened. :)
We had one water crossing of West Branch of Mill Brook which is running well, but had numerous logs across it. Wide open hardwoods almost all the way. It has a real steep section but it is so open that its just a climb. Beautiful birch glades on the ridge.
When the woods got a bit thicker (spruce and blowdowns) the moose have made herd paths that are better than many trails. Only real thick stuff was at very top and people herd paths led the way. Even has some views. We blew it coming down and followed the wrong people path which was thick and scrappy. Corrected to our route up and all was good.
Headed down to Unknown Pond Trail (Mill Brook Rd side) and headed up. UPT is wet and muddy at the bottom. Some areas have bypasses as the trail is thick mud. Gets better higher up. A few blowdowns that you can step over. Kilkenny Ridge from the junction is great. Hit the woods again (very open with herd paths) and got UPP. Got back to car before dark and before rain. Great day out.
KRobi
Ken and Karen |
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 | Name: |
KRobi |
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 | E-Mail: |
robisho at comcast dot net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-11-03 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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