| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cabot, NH |
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 | Trails: |
York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 2, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at the Bunnell/York Pond trailhead off NHF&G's Berlin Hatchery York Pond Rd at 8:10am or so. There were only 2 other vehicles in the 4 vehicle lot upon our arrival. None in the lot on our return at 2-ish pm. But many vehicles parked along the road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Easily surmounted. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Generally in great condition. A few blowdowns. Only one required walking off trail to cross. Thanks to the trail maintainers! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw 2. A small one with a woman trail runner. And a larger black german shepard one with it's own pack for food and water with a woman. Both canines and owners were very friendly. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nada, thankfully! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing to report. |
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 | Comments: |
A far better day than NOAA's prediction of 50% cloud cover. Started in low-hanging clouds and almost total cloud cover, but as the morning wore on, clouds lifted, sun paraded out and skies cleared for a beautiful, cool, crisp autumn day. Some autumnal colorized leaves on the trail - esp the multi-colored sugar maple leaves and some visible foilage from view vantage points, made for a nearly complete New England leaf peeper experience. All we lacked was, a fire, a pumpkin spice beer and maybe some beef chili. ;-)
Had previously discussed doing full loop up Kilkenny Ridge and back via Unknown Pond Trail, but decided to cut bait and turn around at Mt Cabot summit. My lower back wasn't 100% after some overenthusiatic garden shoveling on Saturday. Was thankful for a somewhat shorter hike and less climbing. Missed seeing better views at the Horn, etc. But maybe another time.
This was my 2nd Cabot hike. The last was at least 2 decades ago from the now closed West access trailhead. On that note, my trail buddy noticed where the old, largely unmaintained Mt Cabot trail intersected with Kilkenny on the way back. Intriguing that I don't recall that hike - seemed like a check-the-box one for my 3 season 48.
My trail buddy knocked off his #47 of 48 4k'ers on this hike, so that was really great.
Enjoyed the views along the way to the summit, including a few near the former fire warden's cabin, and one Southward view on a rock ledge, some distance below that cabin. Nice spot - definitely no wind and a lot warmer than the summit. For perspective: neither of us were acclimated to the expected cooler conditions of autumn that day. It really wasn't that cold, maybe high 40's but maybe felt a touch cooler due to the constant wind at and near the summit.
Also noticed how overgrown the South trail junctions of Bunnell/Kilkenny Trail to Willard Notch and likewise Bunnell trail/York Pond trails (near the beginning of Bunnell/not far from trailhead) were. Really not very well travelled.
While we were tailgating after returning to the trailhead, a NHF&G truck with two NHF&G personnel drove by. No idea if they were CO's or fish hatchery biologists, etc. They waved as they drove out and back. Regardless, it was good to see them out there. I occasionally serve as a volunteer Ranger at a NH state park that experiences some frequent hiker injuries, etc, so I very much appreciate the all work they do and their CO's assistance on rescues.
Another great day in the mountains. Doesn't get any better! |
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 | Name: |
Mike and hiking buddy |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-10-04 |
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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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