| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wolf Cub, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Kinsman Ridge Trail, bushwhack, Gordon Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 28, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Beaver Brook TH, only car in the lot when I departed and got back. $5, pays to have a National Park Pass for all the White Mountain fees during the year. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Most easily crossable. Several, such as the small stream in the Wolf/Blue Ridge Mtn col were nearly spanned with snow which didn't hold weight, snowshoes would not have helped much in this slushy springtime mush. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several significant trees along the KRT will need to be cleared before thru-hikers begin trekking through, otherwise there will be herd paths to either side. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
n/a |
|
 | Bugs: |
A few chunky flies around the summit of Wolf Cub when I summited, nothing noticeable on trail (or bushwhack) |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
none |
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|
 | Comments: |
The remaining snow was surprisingly supportive when I began at 7am, not so much by 11 or so. KRT is snow-free up to nearly the Dilly Trail, more snow on the north-facing slopes or ridgetop if under evergreen canopy. Decent amount of patchy snow once off-trail. Departed at the KRT/GPT junction and basically followed the 2,650' elevation contour right around to meet up with the southwestern ridge of Wolf Cub. A bit of blowdown but nothing too cumbersome, I was really surprised all the way around the pond (at that elevation) of how open and enjoyable the woods were. I even thought at one point that I was on an old trail corridor but that quickly faded. Snow got punch as I approached the several waterways which feed into the pond. Crossed over clearly an old (or still used?) trail corridor just before hitting the Wolf Cub ridge which I followed back to the eastern side of the pond on my exit. The ridge itself was a mix of pleasant forest, pencil spruce, open birch/fir/spruce mixes. Hit a northern bump at the summit and thought momentarily that could be it until I saw terrain which rose even higher to the south - which is where I found the recognized high point - even had a nice view out to Liberty/Flume and another toward Mt Wolf. Register was essentially a snack wrapper or something? I signed in either way before packing it all up, someone going out after snow melts might want to pack a new book.
Snow got real punchy on the old trail (AT?) corridor which I followed back to Gordon Pond so after going into a few tributaries I went east, back into the woods just a short ways to more supportive snow.
Found Gordon Pond Trail and crossed the GP Brook and followed/bushwhacked along the trail section, really poorly blazed, hard and frustrating to follow. I essentially gave up and walked through the woods in the direction it would be heading, finally picking it back up near the KRT/GPT junction. Snow was getting soft on the trek out but with soggy feet I romped right through all of it, no point wasting time trying to be delicate. I always care spare everything on treks like this anyhow, if in case I really need to dry out.
As always, feel free to check out a brief write-up I enjoyed recounting about today's adventure at the link below.. Enjoy!
Happy Climbing!
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|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-28 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/wolf-cub |
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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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