| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
The Bulge, Mt. Cabot, The Horn, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Forest Road 11 (Mill Brook Road) is in excellent condition.
The small parking pull-off on the other side of the bridge from the trailhead can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles depending on the size. Additional parking is located further down the road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings. A foot-wide brook on Unknown Pond Trail is easy to step over. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The northern section of the Unknown Pond Trail has no obstructions and is in good condition.
The Kilkenny Ridge Trail has many trees across the trail. Most are at least four feet above the surface and are easy to duck under. One tree is lower but has a well-established walk around.
One bog bridge on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail is deteriorated in the middle of standing water. A side path has been worn to circumvent this wet area.
Water running down Kilkenny Ridge Trail on the steep section of trail on the cone of Mt Cabot. Diversion ditches needed to direct the water off the trail. This section of trail is being eroded.
Trail sign at junction of the Unknown Pond Trail and the Kilkenny Ridge trail at the northwest corner of Unknown Pond reads "Mill Brook Trail 2.2 miles". It should read "Mill Brook Road 2.2 miles" |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
A few that were not bothersome |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I was the only hiker on the north section of the Unknown Pond Trail. This path has some wet areas with rocks and roots to step on in the lower section. Thereafter, the trail has a constant gradual grade with very few rocks or roots. This is a pleasant trail to walk through a northern hardwood forest. Some fall colors but most leaves are still green.
There are two side trails leading down to Unknown Pond. Many areas are posted as revegetated zones.
The Kilkenny Ridge Trail is generally rougher footing than the Unknown Pond Trail. The surfaces were wet and slippery today. The Horn Spur Path has some ledges at the top. The best approach is to walk to the left of the summit and climb to the top from the rear.
Not much for views today due to the persistent low clouds. Could see Success Pond from The Horn but not the Mahoosuc Range.
The true summit for Mt Cabot is on a very short side trail from the summit sign.
Only met two other hiking groups who were walking the loop from York Pond Road; one from Andover MA and the other from Mystic CT. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-09-21 |
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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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