Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Cabot is a lovely walk in the woods and then up a mountain. Go in with the expectation of smooth trail for a mile, water, roots, and rocks for two miles, and rocks for the next mile and a half. If it’s rained in the past three days, you’ll find some mud. It’s always the same. If you’re lucky, you might see a wild animal or hear a moose near you but not be able to see it. Enjoy it… it’s Cabot and it’s glorious… and who doesn’t like having the option of a outhouse at 4,000 feet.

Water Crossings

Major crossing about a mile in was rock-hoppable. Water was moving fast but avoidable about two miles in.

Wildlife

Just lazy ones at vehicle.

Trails Used

Bunnell Notch Trail, Killkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur, Unknown Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Last night’s storm did not leave any snow on the summit. However, melting ice chunks were falling from the trees today. The tail is pretty muddy so I wore my waterproof winter boots and gaiters and that was fine. No traction required at this time. But be careful because a lot of the rocks and roots were slippery. No monorail.

Parking

Plenty of parking.

Water Crossings

Most of the stream crossings are small. Theres 3-4 tougher ones that are rock-hoppable but require focus and good footing and poles for balance. The worst couple are in the last 2 miles of the Cabot loop.

Wildlife

Bring bug spray!!

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

Trails Used

York pond, Bunnell Notch Trail

Trail Conditions

Parking

Gate open at 715 upon arrival and was still open when I left at 435. The small lot at trailhead had 2 cars there and room for at least a couple more.

Water Crossings

Big water crossing easily crossed using poles for stability. All other water crossings were step over.

Wildlife

Black flies were present but not too bad. Didn't need headset but did need insect repellent.

Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch, Kilkenny Ridge Tr.

Trail Conditions

Notes

My last couple of visits to Cabot have been in winter conditions, so I had forgotten how rocky, muddy and wet the trail can be. But spring flowers, quiet woods and bird songs made for a pleasant hike today.

Parking

I arrived early, around 7:15, and the gate was open. Parked at the York Pond Trailhead.

Water Crossings

The one crossing down low (1760') was rock hoppable, although on the way out, I walked through it to clean the mud off my trail runners and legs LOL

Wildlife

Practically none at all!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gates Brook Trail, Yellow Trail, Red Trail, Blue Trail, Austin Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I started on Gates Brook Trail, then crossed Mt. Crag on Yellow Trail. Great view at the top of Mt. Crag for very little effort. I continued east on Yellow Trail, used the cable car to cross Austin Brook, then climbed Mt. Cabot on Red Trail. Another great view up there. After descending on Blue Trail, I backtracked on Yellow Trail to the junction with Austin Brook Trail. I headed north on Austin Brook Trail, then walked the entire length of Gates Brook Trail to get back to my car. Pros: Two great views and a cable car. Cons: My route took me past the sites of some recent logging operations. Lots of visible cuts and piles of slag. So it's not the most pristine forest in the region.

Parking

Parked in the small lot on North Rd near the Gates Brook trailhead.

Water Crossings

Yellow Trail crosses Austin Brook. The water was low for this time year, but why cross on foot when you can use the cable car?

Wildlife

A few black flies, but not bad yet.

Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails were in good condition with all the usual spots wet and muddy BUT easily avoided. Monorail was stable and pretty limited and was also mostly avoidable. Major water crossing was easy with no bags or waders needed.

Parking

Small lot had 4 when we got there so we parked on roadside. Other lot was clear and would hold guite a few.

Water Crossings

Water crossing was low and easy, even for a short legged, non rockhopper.

Wildlife

Nope

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Brunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It was a very wet hike on my way to the peak, including hiking in rain. Parts of the trail were running streams and surrounding mud. The large water crossing was challenging but doable, if you have the proper gear or don’t mind getting wet. There’s a large puddle covering the trail at the BNT/KRT junction. A mostly frozen narrow monorail began shortly beyond the view point on the KRT and was sporadic the remainder of the way to the peak, at times less frozen but often avoidable. Once the rain stopped and the wind increased, it cleared up and I enjoyed blue skies and sunshine on my way back to my car. Typical Spring conditions for the hike to this peak.

Parking

Parking space for about 5 cars…there was only one other car when I arrived. There’s a large parking area just down the road for the Unknown Pond trailhead.

Water Crossings

The large water crossing about 1 mile in was a bit tricky. I wore trash compactor bags to cross on my way up and just crossed using a few slightly submerged rocks coming down and got wet feet.

Wildlife

No issues on Thursday

Trails Used

Bunnell Notch trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Great hike today! Monorail started near 3 miles up and continued to summit. In my group, some wore Microspikes. I bare-booted and was pretty good! Very gentle trail with some running water on trail, but easily navigable.

Parking

Got to the fish hatchery at 8:00 am. There were two others parked before us. No issues.

Water Crossings

One major water crossing- no problem at all We rock-hopped across.

Trails Used

Bunnell Notch trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Great hike today! Monorail started near 3 miles up and continued to summit. In my group, some wore Microspikes. I bare-booted and was pretty good! Very gentle trail with some running water on trail, but easily navigable.

Parking

Got to the fish hatchery at 8:00 am. There were two others parked before us. No issues.

Water Crossings

One major water crossing- no problem at all We rock-hopped across.

Trails Used

Brunnell Notch

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Barebooted to the hut, but was probably being stubborn. Put on spikes at the hut and left my backpack in the hut to grab the summit. Was very glad I had spikes for the last section to the summit. Kept them on going down to about 3k feet (1.5 miles). There were a couple sections of monorail lower, but was able to navigate without spikes. Didn't posthole once. No wind at all. 2-3 inches of fresh snow at the summit tapering off as you descend going away completely before the monorail does.

Parking

Empty

Water Crossings

No issues with the only water crossing. Tip toed across the rocks both ways.

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch and Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail was in surprisingly good condition! Bare ground and bareboots up to a quarter mile above Bunnell Rock on the switchbacks where the monorail begins in earnest. 2 guys barebooted to the summit but put them on for the descent. We removed our rock spikes a little before Bunnell Rock. Expect wet feet on the multitude of water drainages, mud and running water on trail but not as bad as expected or could be going forward after more rain. Spring conditions are highly variable and dynamic so be prepared for anything and everything! SS got a free ride.

Parking

Plenty of room at 730 when we arrived.

Water Crossings

The only major water crossing about a mile from the trailhead was flowing pretty good, enough to don our garbage gaiters and wade in knee deep water heading up in the morning. By afternoon it was either a little lower or we didn't worry about wet feet heading out so we rock hopped and had some moderate boot submersion but not deep enough for over topping. Definitely a kinder and gentler water crossing than Uki had here a few days ago!

Wildlife

A few scouts out and about.

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

April misery encapsulated in one hike. The trail is muddy out of the gate. Like lots of mud. I just plowed through it. All the water crossings, even the little step overs are higher than usual. Some of the ones along the Bunnell Notch trail are raging streams and my feet were not staying dry. Most of the first 2.5 miles is like walking in a waterfall. There is just so much water on the trail. The monorail is seriously being undermined due to this and I broke through in several place. One was up to my thigh in slush. The monorail is very narrow and the warmer temps make it easy to slide off it. Between the cabin and the true summit the monorail was hard to find at times. I held my breath and hoped I was on it. This was one of the most tedious hikes for this peak I have done and this one was gridded out several months ago. Allow extra time and care as you pick your way through and just give up on keeping your feet dry. It ain't gonna happen. This was character building at its' finest.

Parking

I was the only person out today so there was plenty of parking. I can't imagine why. LOL

Water Crossings

The big crossing was running high and fast and made yesterday's crossing on Liberty seem like a piece of cake. I didn't even bother to scout out an alternative path today. I donned my waterproof boot covers, selected my strategy and plowed ahead. The current is strong and it will push you around. I was fortunate that all the rocks I chose did not move around under my feet. Upon my return the levels were markedly higher. I used the same path to cross and planted my feet and poles and moved slowly and deliberately. Again, if water crossings freak you out, hold off on this one.

Wildlife

I saw some flying around but the conditions for this hike were so tough that bugs were the least of my issues.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Rode hard pack/icy monorail most of the way. Heavy rain held off until almost done.

Water Crossings

No problems with water crossings

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.

Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch, Kilkenny Tidge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I saw two moose. They were big and awesome. Trail is in very good shape. Muddy in a few spots with some collapsing snow, but mostly fast and hard packed. From the cabin to summit is a dream. Half a dozen other folks out this morning and had fun chats with each of them.

Parking

Empty lot at 7am. 3 cars a few hours later.

Water Crossings

Most are easily crossed. The big one at the 1 mile mark can be rock hopped if you go up stream a few yards.

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Excellent conditions today as the temps stayed just below freezing. Snowflakes even flew from the sky! Stable monorail and some bare rock at lower elevation. Solid hard packed snow all the rest of the way. Wore Hillsound Trail Crampons. The trail was a like highway. Four hours car to car. Felt so good I decided to hike Cannon on the way home.

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Great winter trail conditions today for this peak. The cold morning start made for a microspike superhighway of winter like hard pack with some very stable monorail/beginning of monorail stretches. There were a few barespots here and there and a short stretch of icy trail. The trail developed a slushy layer in the afternoon as I was coming out but overall fantastic trail conditions. Happy to grid out this peak.

Parking

Clear, snowfree.

Water Crossings

All rock hoppable, leapable or bridged.

Trails Used

Bunnell notch, kilkenny ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The trails to cabot were in surprisingly great shape. They were frozen solid and didn't have many postholes. I used microspikes all day. The bunnell notch trail had some bare sections with running water.

Water Crossings

Hoppable

Trails Used

York Pond, Bunnell Notch, Kilkenny Ridge Trails

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The entire route had been bare booted and consistently postholed the previous day with a few inches of overnight snow on top. We wore snowshoes car-to-car but the combo of postholes and breaking the unconsolidated snow made for slow going. Trails turned to mashed potatoes in the afternoon sun. We three smoothed out most of the postholes but the trails remain rough, loose and unconsolidated. Packed trail was narrow and unforgiving off the edges. Cabin to summit segment was in good shape with no braiding. Except at the drainages, there was still ample snow cover (generally several feet) throughout. No evidence of passage on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail beyond Cabot's summit. Fun, tough hike with Chris and Renee on a lovely windy but warmish day. Upper woods were gorgeous.

Parking

The small lot right at the trailhead was plowed. We were the only two cars there all day. York Pond Road was a bit rutty but not bad at all.

Water Crossings

The larger crossing .9 miles from the beginning was an easy rock hop. The myriad drainage crossings between the trailhead and the Kilkenny Ridge Trail were open, often deep and steep-sided, and encouraged face plants. Ask us how we know. :)

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A few inches of fresh powder from the past two days and only a bare booter had been put there. Definitely needed the snowshoes today to consolidate it down some. Saw one other person in snowshoes while we were out there so the trails are in good shape at the moment.

Parking

Road was plowed but the lot was not when we got there around 8am. Lot was plowed by the time we got back to the car

Water Crossings

Rock hoppable