Trails Used

Caribou Trail :Mud Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I ascended via the Caribou Trail and summited and descended from Caribou Mountain on the Mud Brook Trail. The many falls and cascades seen from the Caribou Trail are beautiful. They may be less impressive during a dry spell. Kees Falls is noted on the map, however, there are other cascades and falls including one on a tributary that is much higher than Kees Falls. There were quite a few mud areas on both trails but there are usually rocks to keep footwear out of the muck. Nevertheless, most of the surfaces are dry (before the weekend rain) There are great views from the summit. One can see the Mahoosucs, Kilkenny Range, Carter-Moriah, and the high peaks of the Presidential Range. There are also views of Kezar Lake, Pleasant Mountain, and Kearsarge North. There is an exceptional view of Evans Notch from ledges on the Mud Brook Trail below the summit. There is a USGS benchmark at the summit. The Mud Brook Trail turns left just before the open summit when coming up from Caribou Trail. I spotted Bluebead Lily, Painted Trillium, Bunchberry, Lady's Slipper, Hobblebush, and Mayflower. That said, the wildflowers are not plentiful. Ran into a Spruce Grouse Hen that was aggressive with rushes toward me and cries. I assume it was protecting its chicks that I did not spot. Piles of moose droppings in many places on both trails. There were bike tracks in many mud spots on the Mud Brook Trail even in the Wilderness. Bikes are prohibited in the Wilderness Area as noted in the signage.

Parking

Lot off route 113. The outhouse has been removed. Route 113 has a new coat of asphalt for smooth driving. The road is narrower than the usual state route but can handle two-way traffic. Watch out for bicyclists.

Water Crossings

All crossings on rocks. The first crossing of Morrison Brook is the widest. The best rocks are just a few steps upstream from the old bridge crossing (removed). Another crossing uphill of Kees Falls has wet mossy ledges that are slippery.

Wildlife

There were lots of black flies. I donned the head net at the Caribou - Mud Brook trail junction. I received one black bite on my exposed hand.