Also on this trip

Trails Used

Kilkenny Ridge trail, Devil's Hopyard trail, Horn spur, Cabot Spring spur, Terrace spur, Starr King trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lots I could say here about this three-day adventure, but most of it has probably already been said by others. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me and ask! Cabot Spring was flowing but very slowly- like almost 10min per liter slow. I wouldn't count on it as a water source. Good flow from the stream by Mill Brook trail junction, plenty of water in Unknown Pond, decent enough flow in Willard Notch and the spring below Starr King. Otherwise, not much for water along this route at the moment.

Parking

South Pond gate doesn't open till 10am. Not a terrible road walk if you get there before the gate is open. Plenty of space to park on the grassy area outside the gate.

Water Crossings

Kilback Pond has some nice new bog bridges, and some older ones that are scheduled to be replaced this fall. The new ones are great, the old ones include a broken section that requires excellent balance if you don't want to go for a swim!

Wildlife

Generally not too bad. Had a few spots where we got swarmed when we stopped, but they were a non-issue for the most part while we were moving

Trails Used

Unknown Pond Trail : Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Unknown Pond Trail is a relatively easy hike up to the pond from Mill Brook Road with some wet areas down low (often rocks and roots in these spots to step on). The Kilkenny Trail is rougher in places with a lot of rocky sections with some ups and downs. This area seems more a wilderness than some of the trails in the designated wilderness areas to the south in the WMNF. The easiest access to the top of the Horn is via a beaten path to the left of the summit ledges (on ascent) wrapping around to the rear (north) side of the summit rocks. There are no views from Mt Cabot's summit. The actual summit is at the end of a short side path starting by the trail sign. Lots of Bluebead Lily and Bunchberries. Lady's Slippers on the Unknown Pond Trail. There are two access paths down to Unknown Pond. The path near the sign where the Kilkenny Ridge Trail heads north from the Unknown Pond trail leads down to the pond where there is a good view to the Horn Lots of hikers out today. Most were hiking the loop over Mt Cabot and the Horn from York Pond Road. The best views are from the Horn. Good vantage point to see the Mahoosuc Range.

Parking

The small pull-off near the trailhead can accommodate a couple of vehicles. Additional parking is available a short distance further down FR11. Mill Brook Road (FR11) is drivable for all vehicles.

Water Crossings

No significant water crossings on this route

Wildlife

Lots of black flies. They were swarming at the top of the Horn despite the breeze. I put on the head net at the Horn.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Unknown Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful day for it! Basically summer conditions- there is maybe 1 square foot of snow on the trail between the Cabot summit and the Buldge and otherwise none to be found. Ascent on Bunnell Notch was not as muddy as expected, but descent via Unknown Pond had large sections of the trail that were very muddy. Most sections have well placed rocks that make it pretty manageable. Saw two gray jays at the cabin, a yellow-bellied sap sucker, and lots of moose scat but no moose. Met lots of friendly people along the way but also had long stretches of quiet trail even on the holiday

Parking

10+ cars at 8:30 between the two lots, gate open at 4:15 when I left

Water Crossings

Manageable- though some are a little tricky

Wildlife

They know it’s nearly summer- didn’t need a net, but bug spray was a must

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Unknown Pond, Kilkenny Ridge, Bunnel Notch

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Did the Cabot Loop counterclockwise, taking Unknown Pond Trail to Kilkenny Ridge Trail to Bunnel Notch Trail. Trail was mostly free from snow until Unknown Pond. Upon looping around the Pond, the trails snow set in and stayed well past the Cabot Hut. Used micros, the snow was hard and rough, like a snow bank that has thawed and refrozen over and over. The hike to the horn was challenging because it was hard to stay on trail. There were next to no foot prints in the snow to follow. Also going up to Cabot was a challenge staying on course. Very remote wilderness, saw tons of moose poo during the first half of the hike, and also saw two moose on my way down Bunnel Notch. Very large and very cool to see. They wanted nothing to do with me and meandered into the woods. Mono rail has formed and is falling apart in some spots, but is still packed enough to walk on without post holing. Checking out the fish hatchery was interesting.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Unknown Pond trailhead. I walked by the York Pond trailhead parking also. Both lots could hold a decent amount of cars.

Water Crossings

two crossings early on Unknown Pond Trail that will need some patience and time to navigate safely. The flow of the water is much faster due to the spring melt

Wildlife

No bugs yet.