Owl's Head - Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, herd path, Owls Head Path - 5-5-2024

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Owl's Head, NH

	Trails:	Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, herd path, Owls Head Path

	Date of Hike:	Sunday, May 5, 2024

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Parked at the large, paved lot for Lincoln Woods. This lot is plowed during and afer snowstorms. It is a fee lot ($5 per day or WMNF pass). Bathrooms are open year round (heated). These were well stocked today.

	Surface Conditions:	Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable)

	Recommended Equipment:	Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	These were, by far, the biggest obstacles today. There are two major crossings on Lincoln Brook. I crossed both using submerged rocks. Water levels were very high secondary to snow melt off and active rain. My double wool socks kept my feet warm, even though they were soaked.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:

	Dog-Related Notes:	One, super cute, smaller dog made it across the water crossings. I assume he/she needed help, though as the current is strong.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	BluecollarHiker's report was spot on. Not too many conditions changed other than water levels. Route: Lincoln Woods > Black Pond Trail > Black Pond Bushwhack > Lincoln Brook Trail > Brutus Bushwhack > and back... Just under 17 miles. Lincoln Woods: flat, fast, wide trail. Not blazed. Few muddy areas this morning, saturated upon my return this afternoon in the active rain. I disregarded any attempt to avoid wet areas as I was already soaked. No water crossings on this trail. Black Pond: well blazed in updated yellow blazes for any season. Mostly dry this morning, some muddy spots and running water on trail this afternoon. No snow. Black Pond bushwhack: this herd path [therefore NOT a bushwhack] is now present with all the snow gone. Still bring requisite land navigation equipment as it is a bushwhack even though it is well established. Lots of mud in the usual areas. It did not suck my boot off, though it tried! No issues following the herd path. Lincoln Brook: not blazed. Corridor simple to discern. Snow free save a small run of monorail just before the first major water crossing. Do not underestimate the water flow. The two water crossings have very elevated water. This morning the water was a bit lower and I used sumbmerged rocks to cross. Water was up to my lower shin. This afternoon it had been actively raining, thus increasing the water levels. I still used submerged rocks, but had to pick my route carefully to avoid choke points. Water was mid shin on the submerged rocks. After thru hiking the Cohos and Northville-Placid trails, I no longer care if my feet get wet. Good thing for today as my feet were soaked!! Plenty of mud and running water on the trail on my way back in the rain. I'm sure one could avoid the mud and running water, I just don't bother with it. Faster to plow through than tip toe around!! Brutus bushwhack: again, this is a bushwhack and is slightly less defined than the herd path of Black Pond. But the path is still evident. No snow until 3300 feet, past the junction with the slide path. Just past the slide junction I donned spikes as there was an excellent monorail all the way up to the summit. Snow is melting rapidly and stepping off trail only had me postholing to below my knee. On the way down, ice was a menace in several locations, but not crampon worthy. Just a pain to negotiate on the steep slopes. Rain was actively eating at the snow... 4 other crazies, I mean hikers, out to grab Owl's Head. All had spikes. All 4, plus dog, took the slide. They all told me that the snow also does not start until 3200-3300 feet. But, I did not take the slide and cannot confirm.

	Name:	Remington34

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2024-05-05

	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.