| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
The Horn, The Bulge, Mt. Cabot, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, The Horn Spur |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, May 9, 2016 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Wasn't sure if Mill Brook Road out of Stark would be open or not, but I lucked out. It is 4.5 miles up this road to the trailhead. A mile in, there was a logging truck being loaded which was blocking the road. Trucker apologized and said it would be a 30-min wait. I said "that's fine, I'm just going hiking." :) Gave me time to get trailrunners and gaiters on and otherwise get ready. At the trailhead there is room for maybe two cars, more parking a bit further up the road. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Tossed quite a few branches off trail and unclogged a couple waterbars. Not many paint blazes in these parts. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
None. Too cold. It was actually snowing-flurrying for a couple hours, and the wind was quite brisk! |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I like this route to Cabot. It sees far fewer hikers and I think is less of a mudfest than the fish hatchery approaches. Mill Brook is pretty, and the trail passes through a beautiful birch forest. Nice views west to the northern Pilot Range as well.
Trail was dry to start w/maybe 3-4 very short mud pits. Approaching Unknown Pond (gorgeous!) there was a dusting of fresh snow, increasing to an inch in the 3800-4170' elevation range. Put spikes on just beyond The Horn Spur. The new snow helped w/traction, but spikes were still useful, especially descending. Final scramble up Horn is always tricky; I went around to the backside today.
Beautiful quiet day. Didn't see a soul. |
|
 | Name: |
Snowflea |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2016-05-09 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
