| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cabot, The Bulge, The Horn, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Unknown Pond (northern), Kilkenny Ridge |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Millbrook Road is well graded and maintained; any vehicle should be okay. 4 or 5 spots to park at trailhead. Another 6 or so spots about a tenth of a mile further up the road. Of note the road is rougher between the two parking areas, so care may be needed there if vehicle has low clearance. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Generally in good shape. Severely eroded pitch around 3800 feet north of Cabot summit. Water was flowing down a mix of gravel and larger rocks for 30 feet or so. A very slick (slippery) and muddy herd path has developed beside it. Met the adopter of Kilkenny Ridge from Unknown Pond to the Horn and a partner working on the trail. Thanks! |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
Nothing biting today. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
A very nice alternative to the out and back route via Bunnell Notch. Beautiful woods walk up to Unknown Pond. Great views from the Horn except for clouds enveloping the Presidentials. The easiest way to summit the rock at the Horn appears to be to curve west and then north before heading back south to the summit. There are many herd paths in the vicinity; keeping on the tread way to ascender’s left seems to be the best choice if in doubt where to go. Continued to Cabin before turning around; views there are getting more limited. |
|
 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
|
 | E-Mail: |
Jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-08-26 |
|
 | 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. |
|
