Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a HUGE roll of the dice. It was pouring in Maine but the forecast for Jefferson looked more promising. I geared up in my rain gear to be safe and Mother Nature must have taken pity on me and all I got was drizzle. By the time I was headed down, the rain had stopped in Jefferson but it was raining again in Gorham. The trail was quite wet with some slippery rocks and puddles. There is leaf litter on the ground which does cover up the smaller rocks and acorns but isn't too tricky yet. The stretch between the 2 peaks has some more substantial mud but most of the larger mud/water pits have rocks to help you stay drier. Some require more leaping than others so I just opted to plod through many of them since I was wet already. The clouds were delightfully moody and it was nice and breezy up high. Such a GREAT morning!

Parking

There was 1 vehicle in the lot when I arrived and 2 when I returned. Thank you, Chad! I reached out to him to be sure my little car could still make it up to the trailhead and he assured me she would be fine. He was right. No scrapes at all. There are 2 dips but if my car can make it, any car can.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Back in Hell. The winds blew them back for sure.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

It's prime autumn afternoon hiking season - gentle breezes, blue skies and dry trails. Not enough leaves have fallen to cover ankle biters, and not enough rain has fallen to have more than tiny spots of mud. Get outside before that all changes. Skip work if you have to. We're all getting replaced by AI anyway, so might as well give the overlords a reason to fire you. (Actually we're not, but tell them I said it was a good excuse. I'm sure that will make it better.) Oh yeah - Waumbek is in great shape. Enjoy the quickly improving trail thanks to the hard work of new maintainers.

Parking

3 cars around 2pm, only 1 other a few hours later. The dirt road is still a little bumpy, but much easier to pass through than earlier this year.

Water Crossings

None. The new drainage just after the trailhead has done wonders to dry up the mud pit.

Wildlife

Some swarming down low but not too bad.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Star King Trail, Killkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Was a rainy morning on the trail, it turned sunny by noon time. even with the rain there were six other hikers on the trail and one cool pup.

Parking

Plenty of Parking at the Starr King trail head.

Water Crossings

No issues with water crossings

Wildlife

Very few bugs, even after and during the rain.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Starr King and Waumbek are in great condition. A few small mud spots here and there, but otherwise very nice. Again, huge shout out to the new maintainers. Some of the more notorious wet sections have had a lot of care paid to them recently.

Parking

Plenty of spots around 5pm

Water Crossings

Nope

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King

Trail Conditions

Notes

A pleasant hike on a cool, almost fall like day. No views as the viewpoints were in the clouds when I arrived. Of note, the spring just off the traverse is just a tiny trickle and is not a reliable water source at this time.

Parking

2 water bars but otherwise easy going. I suspect most vehicles can clear water bars without difficulty.

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

A lot of new-to-me ground today. York Pond Trail is soft underfoot and gradual up to Willard Notch. Kilkenny Ridge Trail is a beaut. Weeks peaks were moderate up-and-downs and the viewpoint near the Waumbek summit is really growing in.

Parking

Starr King Road washouts have been graded.

Water Crossings

First York Pond Trail crossing is on narrow, loose boards over a spillway. All the rest were at low water.

Wildlife

Cool start and breezy day kept them away.

Trails Used

Mt Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

What a nice way to start the week! Steve and I had coordinated schedules to ensure that he got August gridded out in style and he finished that today. Congratulations to him and thanks for being the bomb to hike with. The trail is in near perfect shape right now. Mostly dry with a few small muddy areas. We saw quite a few happy and friendly hikers who indulged us with the gift of their time to chat, because Steve and I never stop talking. It was great to see Eric again for our weekly meet up on trail.

Parking

Steve drove and his truck handled the dips like a boss. There were plenty of cars in the lot upon our return so regular vehicles should have no problem.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

No bugs. We even got to have our snack break without unwelcome visitors.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Considering the forecast today, this was the right call for a muggy morning trip. Lots of people out enjoying it this morning. Hopefully the thunderstorms hold off. Kudos again to the road crew and trail maintainers. All of the mud spots on this hike have either firmed up and are no longer mud spots or easy to step over/around.

Parking

It appears that the road to trail head was recently graded and more road material was brought into smooth out the section to parking area after the last house recently. There are still 2 washout ridges that are in the road which are necessary to keep the road from completely washing out but it’s smooth sailing, even compared to a couple of weeks ago. Parking lot was full by the time I left this morning.

Wildlife

None existent. Didn’t need the bug dope that I sweat off by the time I hit Starr King.

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

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Rain and wind came in earlier than expected this afternoon and a lot of people got WET! Kilkenny Ridge had a lot of pooled water in the normal spots and the mud pits that were dry earlier this week are now back to being muddy. Starr King trail become a bit slippery when the rain hit on the descent but would expect that to dry up pretty quickly once the rain moves on as no water was pooling or attempting to destroy all the nice work done by the trail maintainers lately. A fine example of why you want to be prepared for anything while hiking in the White Mountains!

Parking

Access road is holding up well after the recent work so cars can get in.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Washed away with the rain this afternoon.

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I started early which meant I was still hiking in the rain and mist until my return trip but that was fine with me because I like rain and it was nice and cool. The trail was totally wet and rather muddy all morning. The rocks were wet but most still have good grip anyway. I cleared all the spiderwebs and didn't see anyone until I was coming back from Waumbek. I had no views today but I think those coming up later probably got them as the skies were clearing on my way down. It was great to see Eric again for the second time this week. Great minds and all that! Conditions were good enough that made it home before lunch. Win!

Parking

Thank you, Scott B for your intel. I have not driven my little low clearance car up to the trailhead in years but we did it today and she was just fine. I was the first car in the lot this morning and there were another 8 cars when I returned and there was still room for more. The improvements to the road are so appreciated.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

They were only bad at the summit of Starr King and at the little look out past the summit for Waumbek. I had no issues otherwise.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Excellent weather for these two. Nice crossing paths and chatting with approx eighteen others enjoying this mild July day

Parking

Parked at trailhead. Low clearance car had no issues with the dips and bumps. Entrance has been graded nicely since my last visit.6 vehicles on arrival 4 on return

Wildlife

Minimal at best. No deet needed at all

Trails Used

Starr King trail

Trail Conditions

Parking

We got one of the two last open spots at about 9:30am

Water Crossings

Very small streams

Wildlife

Virtually no bugs, we didn’t apply any insect repellent

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is wet and muddy. Trail work has been done recently on the water bars and clearing of downed trees. It’s muddy in many spots but that’s the name of the game right now with all of the rain lately. There’s a hornets nest somewhere around 0.2 miles after Starr King going towards Waumbek on Kilkenny Ridge Trail. Couldn’t locate it and didn’t stick around to see where it was but could hear them.

Parking

Road up to trailhead has been graded. Water run-off areas are still there but no more gigantic holes.

Wildlife

None this morning.

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is wet and muddy. Trail work has been done recently on the water bars and clearing of downed trees. It’s muddy in many spots but that’s the name of the game right now with all of the rain lately. There’s a hornets nest somewhere around 0.2 miles after Starr King going towards Waumbek on Kilkenny Ridge Trail. Couldn’t locate it and didn’t stick around to see where it was but could hear them.

Parking

Road up to trailhead has been graded. Water run-off areas are still there but no more gigantic holes.

Wildlife

None this morning.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Starr King is in really good shape all the way to Waumbek. It's wet in all the normal spots, but those can be avoided. Big thanks to whoever cleared up the ridge recently - it's in great shape.

Parking

The road to the trailhead has been somewhat repaired, so driving in is much nicer to the bottom of your car. 6 cars around 2:30, only 2 around 7pm.

Water Crossings

Bottom mud pit is wet, but passable. Occasional spots that are wet, particularly in the first 1.5 miles. Overall in good condition though.

Wildlife

A fair number down low, but nothing bug spray couldn't handle.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

No snow left to be seen! Trail was surprisingly dry with a few patches of mud down low. Otherwise, with the exception of a few blowdowns on the ridge between the peaks, the trail was in good condition.

Parking

The lot was full late morning (as was to be expected with a late arrival). Ended up parking in the lot next to the gas station. Saw some others parking at the golf course… wasn’t sure if that was allowed (I recall a few years ago the golf course didn’t want hikers parking there, but maybe that has changed?)

Wildlife

Getting bad down low until about half way up to Mt. Starr King. After that, they seemed to disappear.

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail is in good shape for this time of year. A little wet down low. Avoidable patches of ice start at 3200 feet. Unstable monorail starts just before Starr King and is off and on until Waumbek. Most is avoidable, but some balance beam walking was done.

Parking

Plenty of parking at golf course lot all afternoon

Water Crossings

Hopped over most mini streams pretty easily

Wildlife

None :)

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is bare until 3100’. Between 3100’-3500’ there are a few blotches or snow and 10ft long sections of ice. Above 3500’ it ranges from a dusting of snow over dirt to more sustained sections of ice/slushy monorail. We were fine in trail runners (we did some sliding off the edge of the monorail between Waumbek and Starr King) but could definitely seeing someone using spikes above 3700’ if they wanted to. I posted pictures of the conditions on AllTrails if you want to take a look.

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Muddy in the usual spots over the first mile. Sporadic ice and snow start two miles in, you can bareboot up to Starr King with no issues. Between peaks is 75% flattish snow-ice or monorail, which is narrow in a few places, and anywhere from a half foot to over a foot, monorail was stable on Friday morning. I wore rock spikes between Starr King and Waumbek, and left them on a half mile down from Starr King on the way back. A cold morning up high, feeling like March. Until things start to really heat up at elevation, expect the rotting snow to last a few weeks longer in some places.

Parking

Low clearance vehicles might bottom out on one of the dipsy-doos

Trails Used

Starr King, killKinney Ridgr

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spring, but good Spring conditions. Dry at bottom. About 1.5 miles up you might want spikes. Up farther you will want them. Elevated and still firm. Still exposed rock. it is Spring, but still pretty good. I think it got to about 55' up top.

Parking

Upper parking is open.

Water Crossings

na

Wildlife

Found 2 as I was getting close back to the car.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Dry with patches of mud up to 3,000 ft. From there, snow takes over. Slushy until 3,600 ft, packed monorail above that.

Parking

Parking is good!

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

No bugs yet

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare booted to about 3000 feet where snow was consistent, spikes were the traction of choice, minimal ice. Intermittent monorail but not too elevated between Starr King and Waumbek. Slipped off a few times. Three Canadian Jays. Nice time to hike Waumbek.

Parking

Road was in good condition with a couple of lumpy low points, room for 6 cars in space closest to trail head

Water Crossings

N/A Some running water on trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spikes needed at 3,000 feet. Monorail (packed snow trail) was stable. Encountered another hiker postholing. April conditions challenging but better than expected this year. 16 peaks completed in April, 14 remaining.

Wildlife

Saw George (appears to be a regular wildlife/person at summit)

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Started to see ice patches around 2950’ Put on Hillsound micro spikes at about 3200’. My first experience with these types of monorails. They were in pretty good shape for the most part, but I did post hole a few times. Only went in up to my knee once ha ha. Monorails got softer closer to summits. At times only a boot width. I don’t think snowshoes would have been a better choice today. Saw 6 other people.

Parking

Parked at trail head but one section of road is tough, had to use snow/mud setting on my Forester

Water Crossings

NA

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Starr King Road, Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I was the first one up and down on the trail today and found the conditions to be surprisingly nice. The temps were around 35 degrees when I started so that kept the trail firm. Down low the trail is bare ground, lots of mud, and lots of water running down the trail. At about the 1.5 mile mark the monorail shows up and I put on Hillsound Pros. I wasn't sure how quickly things would warm up and didn't want to deal with my spikes balling up. The mountain got a nice dusting of snow last night which covered up the icy sections of the trail but my Pros provided good purchase. The monorail was stable and held my weight fine with no postholing. There is clear evidence of postholes which must have occurred during the past warmer days. The new snow did not obscure those so I just picked my way around them. I saw lots of happy hikers and 2 fellow gridiots out enjoying the day.

Parking

My little car is as fun sized as I am so there was no way I was parking in the lot at the trailhead. I parked to the left of the gas station with the good pizza. When I finished there were about 8 cars in the parking lot, so if you have a vehicle with good clearance and some courage, it definitely can be done. Clearly, I have neither.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Still in Hell

Trails Used

Starr King, Kilkenny Ridge

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Laid down the first set of tracks on the trail today after yesterday’s, yes … snow ❄️ Not time to hang up the snowshoes yet, the trails in higher elevation do have snow & ice, which I’m not sure anyone heading from the southern parts are aware… there was trace depth at start, 2” as I gained & higher elevation was 4-5” of powdery loose snow. I wore my snowshoes at 2” & kept them on to / from same point.. I saw 4 groups with a total of 9 people out barebooting or in spikes following my pioneered effort. The snow today was not consolidated, is very loosely “packed” if you can call it that, by my couple passes.. as day went on snow was starting to get sticky so idk what’s left after the rototilling booters. The snow is over a solid monorail of pretty much straight up ice. Some sections I got not the best traction & got to practice my fancy footwork as the monorail underneath was otherwise a bit wonky, uneven & such. Wobbled a bit here & there with snowshoes but they’re still I personally feel the best choice for what was there on top. Who knows what will change as it warms up or if there’s any more precipitation. Not to sound like a bitter old man, but your trail daddy just wants to send a friendly reminder to be safe & keep in mind the shoulder season is unpredictable, plan for possible winter conditions for trail and forecast. I’d hate to see you travel all this way to enjoy the beautiful white mountains, to have it become ‘not a good time bro’ Also, I just really appreciate when people look ahead when planning to see that they may want to expect when they plan their day hikes… that the alpine flowers aren’t growing at 4k ft yet. I mean, there ain’t even leaves on the trees at Waumbek, so please bring more than a water bottle and sneakers. “Spring” is a slow degradation of trails before you get solid dirt under your feet again. Enjoy the ride, anyways 🤷 happy hiking! 🥾 Love, Your Trail Father Aka the “Cool” Dad

Parking

You can definitely get in the TH lot with good tire traction, the last year with my end of season winter baldies, had me parking in the winter lot 🤡

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

Leave them in the hell they come from. None yet.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Waumbek Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Monorail conditions in conifers. High water on East Branch of Pemigewasset River, so chose trail with no water crossings. People postholing when missing center of route. Warm conditions. Limited visibility from Starr King (only 2nd time out of 14 visits with views).

Water Crossings

Hiked this trail specifically to avoid water crossings due to high discharge rates on East Branch of Pemigewasset River.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Starr King Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Better than expected conditions today. A combo of wet trail, flowing water, icy and snowy leftover hard pack down low. Stable hardpack and beginnings of monorails up top but you gotta stay in the hard center. It was warm down low but breezy, dank and chilly up top at times. It was a bit like a Taylor Swift concert costume change for us as layers went on and off and on again. Spikes car to car. I used exos, others used microdspikes. I'm glad to grid out this peak and get an over 70 for Kwi-Hui.

Parking

We braved the moon craters with caution in a CRV and passed without issue.