| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Owl's Head, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of spots at 7:00AM. Fee lot with toilet facility. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The three crossings on Lincoln Brook Trail uphill from Black Pond herd path were not difficult as there were many rocks to step on. These crossings can be difficult in high water. (Unnamed brook, Liberty Brook, and Lincoln Brook upper). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The tree falls were easy to get by. One tree on ridge between the old summit and the new summit crosses the trail at 3 to 4 feet above ground and is an easy duck under. The three officially unmaintained trails (Black Pond herd path, Owl's Head Path, and Brutus bushwhack) were all better than the Lincoln Brook Trail that had many mud sections. Most often there are rocks or logs to step on to avoid the worst of the mud. There are some bypasses that can be used. The Brutus Bushwhack wasn't as muddy as in the past hikes although some exposed roots may present a slip hazard in the steep section.
The Lincoln Brook Trail between the upper Lincoln Brook Crossing and the Owl's Head Path has one spot where the banking has undercut the trail somewhat. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dog must be comfortable with steep loose rock surfaces if you use the Owl's Head Path. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some mosquitoes around the wetlands in the vicinity of Black Pond. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The start of the Black Pond herd path is just beyond the mud area beyond the end of the Black Pond Trail. You will see a fork with two herd paths. Bear right at this fork. Shortly thereafter, the herd path goes around a downed tree and then it turns left where a small pile of sticks slightly barricades another indistinct path. Thereafter the herd path is obvious.
The start of the Owl's Head Path is marked by two small cairns in a section of the Lincoln Brook Trail that has lots of small white rocks. The beginning of the slide has lots of loose rocks and dirt that provides poor footing. Further up the slide the footing generally improves although there is no one defined route up the slide. There are a few small cairns here and there. I hiked up the right side of the slide that has a few badly eroded spots that requires care. As long as you remain on the slide the various routes funnel into the herd path that leads to the summit. Above the slide, the herd path is obvious. The summit is marked by a small cairn that is in a spot a couple of feet from last year's cairn. There is one very short side trail that permits a view of the Bonds. Views of the Franconia Range can be seen from the slide and in a blowdown area on the ridge.
The Brutus Bushwhack starts off the Lincoln Brook Trail just after the upper crossing of Lincoln Brook (marked by small logs on the sides of the herd path). The upper end of the Brutus Bushwhack is at the large boulder on the Owl's Head Path with a small cairn.
Lots of hikers bagging Owl's Head for the 48 list. One hiker graduated from the same high school as I, but many years later. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-08-03 |
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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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