| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bondcliff, Mt. Bond, West Bond, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the lot off the Kancamagus. Bathrooms available. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Slush |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The water is flowing fast and high due to all the rain the past week. All crossings were able to rock hop over with a few spots where water was flowing over the rocks. Lincoln Woods Trail has bridges over the water, Bondcliff Trail had 4 or 5 major crossings but were easy enough as long as you take your time and plan your route. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails were in good condition |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Only saw one dog today, half white and half dirt |
|
 | Bugs: |
The start of the bug season is looming right around the corner. Mosquitos are getting bad. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing lost or found today. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
This was a tail of 3 hikes in 1. The start on Lincoln Woods is very gradual and straightforward. Started crossing on a cable bridge, and about 3 miles in gets you to the second bridge. This is the last of the bridges, all water crossings from here on out will use rocks to step over. Upon starting on the Bondcliff Trail, its much of the same. Very straight sections of this trail make you feel as though your barley moving. About 7 miles in or so the elevation began to climb more steeply. Bondcliff Trail was very similar to the Lincoln Woods Trail, just not as wide and with less railroad ties. The climb up to Bondcliff had a few sections that got steep but a lot of the trail was a gradual climb. Similar to the Jewell Trail. There was a lot of water on the Bondcliff Trail, including running water and standing water. Lots of mud to go along with the water. The trails were soft due to the dampness. Not a lot of trees blown down. Each one was an easy step over or a duck under. The snow began to stick to the ground around 3700 feet. The snow became about 2 inches deep at its max. Breaking tree line and the wind and rain began to pick up. The rain held off until I was at the summit of Bondcliff. Winds gusted to about 50MPH, which drove the rain into my skin like tiny needles. The hike to Mt. Bond was a great ridge walk, gaining elevation. Going from Mt. Bond to West Bond was a nice decline and incline. Saw a mountain chicken for the first time, and boy was I surprised. I did not know that there was such a thing in the whites. Technical name is a Spruce Grouse. Very cool. Summit of West Bond made it about 11.5 miles, and then about 11.5 miles back to the parking lot. Out and back for a total of just over 22.5 miles, did it in just under 9.5hrs. Saw plenty of people, and some folks endured the wind and rain with me heading to Mt. Bond and West Bond. Lincoln Woods is closing for the summer on the 15th so if you need the Bonds or Owls Head don't wait. |
|
 | Name: |
Nick W |
|
 | E-Mail: |
nwlodyka@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-06-03 |
|
 | 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. |
|
