| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Carrigain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ethan Pond Trail, Shoal Pond Trail, Desolation Trail, Nancy Pond Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking at Ethan Pond was easy on August 6th when we started- busy when we finished on the 7th. No issues at Nancy Pond Trailhead |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues with water crossings. All bodies of water were safely manageable and all could be accomplished with dry feet |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Shoal Pond Trail bog bridges in rough shape |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No Pups seen unfortunately |
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 | Bugs: |
Bug spray (which I avoid using at all cost) and a bug net were brought for the overnight but I never considered using wither and had no issues |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
On Tuesday August 6th, 2024, a friend and I car spotted a vehicle at the Nancy Pond Trailhead off Rt. 302 and then drove over to the Ethan Pond Trailhead for an overnight backpacking trip. We wanted to get out on some less traveled Pemi Wilderness trails and thought Shoal Pond would be a fun one to try.
We started up the Ethan Pond trail which is in decent shape. Plenty of AT northbound hikers leaving the Ethan Pond Shelter in the AM. We quickly reached the intersection with Shoal Pond and took a left. Shoal Pond Trail was beautiful. It's clear it does not get as much use as many of the popular Pemi Wilderness Trails but Shoal Pond and the surrounding landscape is stunning. Prime moose territory. Plenty of scat but no sightings for us. The trail needs some work. Your feet will get wet hiking this trail given the close proximity to the water and surrounding streams/rivers and the deteriorating bog bridges. Fun trail to hike though. Closer to Stillwater Junction, we found a natural water slide on the east side of the trail and took lunch and slid down this. It was amazing!
The stillwater junction and Nancy Pond/Desolation Trail intersections are well marked. We ended our day hiking the steep 2 miles up Desolation Trail to the top of Carrigain. I had been told awful things about this trail but it was well maintained and not at all horrible. The first mile or so is steady incline followed by a short lived steep section with poor footing then a steep climb to the top. Just put your head down and it's not that bad. We camped out on Mt. Carrigain, saw the sunset and sunrise from the observation tower with little to no wind or bugs to speak of and a cool, crisp night.
In the morning we caught sunrise then started down the Desolation Trail to connect to the Nancy Pond Trail. The Nancy Pond Trail from Desolation Trail to Norcross Pond was one of my favorites. Nice, easy incline with beautiful scenery. The trail is well routed and very well maintained. Thanks to those that helped with the restoration of this trail and the ongoing maintenance.
We continued from Norcross Pond to Nancy Pond, both of which have multiple campsites near the pond that looked great. More prime moose country but none seen. The trail connecting and surrounding the Pond area is also very well maintained and the trail continued to be a blast all the way down to the Trailhead. Nancy Cascades are amazing and there is a swimming hole directly below the waterfall!
Over the two days, we only saw about 6 people. This loop is not a common one and provided a unique view of the area we both love. |
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 | Name: |
Philip Sheehy |
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 | E-Mail: |
Philipsheehy217@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-08-07 |
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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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