| 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: |
Thursday, April 16, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was the only person out today so there was plenty of parking. I can't imagine why. LOL |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The big crossing was running high and fast and made yesterday's crossing on Liberty seem like a piece of cake. I didn't even bother to scout out an alternative path today. I donned my waterproof boot covers, selected my strategy and plowed ahead. The current is strong and it will push you around. I was fortunate that all the rocks I chose did not move around under my feet. Upon my return the levels were markedly higher. I used the same path to cross and planted my feet and poles and moved slowly and deliberately. Again, if water crossings freak you out, hold off on this one. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are some new blowdowns on the Bunnell Notch trail that I don't recall seeing last time. Nothing big though. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None seen. :( With the strong currents right now, it may not be a safe choice for puppers. |
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 | Bugs: |
I saw some flying around but the conditions for this hike were so tough that bugs were the least of my issues. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
I found the bottom third of a trekking pole and a cell phone. I was 99% sure I knew who lost the phone and have reached out to them. If the trekking pole is yours, email me with a description and I will get it back to you. |
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|
 | Comments: |
April misery encapsulated in one hike. The trail is muddy out of the gate. Like lots of mud. I just plowed through it. All the water crossings, even the little step overs are higher than usual. Some of the ones along the Bunnell Notch trail are raging streams and my feet were not staying dry. Most of the first 2.5 miles is like walking in a waterfall. There is just so much water on the trail. The monorail is seriously being undermined due to this and I broke through in several place. One was up to my thigh in slush. The monorail is very narrow and the warmer temps make it easy to slide off it. Between the cabin and the true summit the monorail was hard to find at times. I held my breath and hoped I was on it. This was one of the most tedious hikes for this peak I have done and this one was gridded out several months ago. Allow extra time and care as you pick your way through and just give up on keeping your feet dry. It ain't gonna happen. This was character building at its' finest. |
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 | Name: |
Uki |
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 | E-Mail: |
ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-04-16 |
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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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