NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Rogers Ledge, Devils Hopyard, NH
Trails
Trails: Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Devils Hopyard Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: I parked at South Pond Recreation Area in Stark, northern terminus of the KRT. The gate on South Pond Road is currently open 24/7 until it gets closed for the winter. No one there in the morning and a few people there when I returned, including three very intoxicated people in a boat. :| 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The only significant crossing is Cold Stream, and while it was on the high side, it was easily crossed with care. An unnamed brook which does not appear on maps about halfway up KRT was slightly tricky, only because where the trail crosses is wide and there are few rocks. I went upstream a bit to where it was narrow. Many other smaller drainages flowing today, all easily crossed. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Both of these trails feel and look like wilderness routes. KRT has numerous blowdowns of various ages and types, but nothing that significantly impedes travel. The upper 1.5 mi. or so has some very brushy sections where the spruce has grown into the trail. Blazes vary in age, visibility and type (paint, plastic). DHT is not blazed but is generally easy to follow. The term “trail” should be used very loosely for this route. ;) 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: They’d be fine on KRT, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing them into the Hopyard due to very difficult terrain, slick boulders and lots of holes. 
Bugs
Bugs: Nope. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: One work glove on a branch. I left it at the trailhead. 
 
Comments
Comments: The long walk out to Rogers Ledge has to be one of the most gradual hikes ever. I hardly felt like I was ascending. LOTS of mud and running water at times along the trail, mainly in the lower half. It’s lurking under the leaves as I found out. Skies were half and half on the ledge, with slow clearing underway. Still, an amazing spot and aside from the City of Berlin in the distance, not too many signs of human civilization are visible. Pretty cold on the ledge with a stiff wind. The descent proved to be somewhat drier.

On the way out I did the side trip to Devil’s Hopyard. What a cuckoo bananas trail! Once in the gorge proper, progress was VERY slow as most of the boulders in here are mossy covered and extremely slippery. I’d go so far as to say it could be quite hazardous. Lots of room for error with twisting a knee or ankle or taking a fall if not deliberate with foot placement. Right at the end of the trail is some significant mud. This area is an amazing display of geologic wonder, but allow plenty of time for this rugged trip.

Once back on the KRT it was an easy walk back to South Pond.  
Name
Name: KenM 
E-Mail
E-Mail: kmacgray@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2019-10-19 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved