Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, herd path

Trail Conditions

Notes

The bat signal for gridiots went off again last night because it was a veritable reunion on the Owls Head path! It's always a delight to run into friends on trail. Sadly the bugs chased us away and we all ran for our lives after taking a quick picture. Lincoln Woods trail is mostly dry with a few muddy areas. Black Pond trail has some deeper mud pits and the bugs are living their best lives on that trail. BP bushwhack was lovely. There are a few odds and ends of blowdowns and mud in the usual areas. Lincoln Brook trail has no blowdowns that I recall and some pretty epic mud, standing water, and running water. The mosquito farms are thriving in those stretches. The slide was mostly dry but there was some running water in places. Owls Head path up higher had some minor mud and the rocks were mostly dry. Brutus bushwhack was in GREAT condition. No mud and pretty nice footing. Glad to get this one checked off for G2.

Parking

Plenty of room at LW this morning. $5 to park or the WMNF pass.

Water Crossings

Fun sized hikers may get their feet wet. I am super wimpy about leaping onto wet rocks so I used submerged rocks for crossings #2 and #3. On the way back I cared even less so I sort of just plowed through. Those hikers who are more normal sized will probably be able to find dry rocks to use.

Wildlife

Out and about and obnoxious. Bug spray helped keep them at bay. That and any breeze and moving fast kept them at bay sort of. I ate my first bug of the season today.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, herd path, Lincoln Brook, Owl's Head, Brutus

Trail Conditions

Notes

A wet day for Owl's Head, and we were grateful for the Black Pond herd path to avoid the worst of the water crossings, and the Brutus bushwhack to avoid descending the wet slide. Between the tough water crossings and several parts of the trail essentially being a muddy stream, my waterproof hiking boots had to admit defeat. Lincoln Woods trail closes June 15!

Parking

Plenty of room at Lincoln Woods lot at 7:30am on a dreary Sunday. Still plenty of room when we returned in the afternoon. $5 per car for the day.

Water Crossings

They were tough, and after tearing my "garbage gaiters" and miscalculating the depth of some submerged rocks, I just gave up on having dry feet.

Wildlife

Didn't notice any! But it was below freezing the night before.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, herd path, Lincoln Brook, Slide, Brutus, Lincoln Brook, herd path, Black Pond, Lincoln Woods

Trail Conditions

Notes

Started my hike at 5:45 AM. Lincoln Woods trail was in good shape (closing on June 1). Black Pond herd path was easy to find (muddy at south end). Lincoln Brook was easy, with some avoidable water/mud. Slide was tricky but not difficult. Brutus had some slippery spots (leaves). A group of three waited at the summit for me, and I kept pace with them on the way back until the beginning of the Black Pond herd path. 9 hours in total.

Parking

Lots of available spots.

Water Crossings

Rock hopped. Stayed dry.

Wildlife

Minimal

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook, Brutus, Owls Head Path, "Slide", LBT, BPB, LW

Trail Conditions

Notes

Get it before Lincoln Woods closes down.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping possible, after the rain coming in today- double check

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook, Brutus, Owls Head Path, "Slide", LBT, BPB, LW

Trail Conditions

Notes

Get it before Lincoln Woods closes down.

Water Crossings

Rock hopping possible, after the rain coming in today- double check

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Owls Head Trail, Martha's Mile

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great views from Owl's Head and there were some views at Martha's summit (someone had cut down some of the tree's blocking the presidential view) and the path that runs past the old fire tower base. Ran into 3 other hikers on the trail.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Owl's Head trail head.

Water Crossings

The water crossings were fairly easy. Some were a bit muddy. Rock Hopping very carefully will help avoid the mud.

Wildlife

Black Flies were out. Not many in the AM due the last night's frost, towards afternoon they came out in force below 2500 feet.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook, Slide, herd path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Fast conditions. Bare boots the whole way. Little to no snow left up top (did see some flurries). Can't imagine much better conditions for May. Good time to get OH before they shut the Lincoln Woods Trail for construction (until November).

Parking

Plenty of parking at Lincoln Woods Lot

Water Crossings

Water crossings were hoppable after some strategizing.

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Franconia Brook Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, Brutus Cutoff, Black Pond Cutoff, Black Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a fun, 9-hour epic with two tricky water crossings as described above. Given that I stayed dry from the knees up, I'd say these crossings were "fun." I decided to go UP on Franconia Brook Trail and DOWN on Black Pond Cutoff/Trail, and UP Owl's Head Path and DOWN the Brutus Cutoff. Saw nobody on Franconia Brook Trail, but once I crossed the Lincoln Brook I encountered maybe 10 hikers, all coming down. Everybody (but me) seemed to be going up and back on Black Pond and Brutus. There are a few, easily-avoidable patches of snow and ice nearing, and along the final ridge to the summit.

Parking

Lincoln Woods perhaps 1/4 full in the morning, 1/8 full in the evening.

Water Crossings

Four: (1) Franconia Brook off of the Lincoln Brook Trail is raging and cold, bring sandals and a hiking pole. Up to the shins and deeper. (2) Lincoln Brook, off of the Lincoln Brook Trail but before (east of) the Black Pond Cutoff, is also raging and cold, up to the knees. (3) and (4) are two crossings on the Lincoln Brook Trail north of the Black Pond Cutoff, and can be crossed by rock-hopping.

Wildlife

None!

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Notes

Conditions are really fast right now. Lincoln Woods is mostly dry. Bushwhacks are somewhat muddy, but most is easy to avoid. Brutus was in very good shape for spring time. Ice is minimal and avoidable. The water crossings aren't bad, but you will need to think about them. Bring some crocs and you'll be find.

Parking

Plenty of spots all day at Lincoln Woods. This will be very different soon.

Water Crossings

Rock hoppable with a little imagination, but I've fully embraced wading to shock my system into going faster.

Wildlife

Nope!

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Black Pond, bushwhack, and Lincoln Brook trails were quite muddy. Owl's Head Path had a fair amount of water running down much of the slide. Patches of snow above ~3700' where well shaded. A few spots of monorail, mostly patches off trail. Had to cross two patches each way on the 'plateau', but certainly no spikes needed.

Parking

parking lot nearly empty on a Thursday

Water Crossings

A few moderate river crossings where rockhopping/log walking was possible with care. Main crossing of Lincoln Brook both ways was knee-ish deep and flowing fast. Could be done safely with care, but only with care.

Wildlife

none

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook, Brutus

Trail Conditions

Notes

Did this peak for April a week ago and conditions were really good. They were even better today! The water level was even lower and the monorail was gone in many places or greatly reduced. No need for traction as the little ice/monorail you encounter can be avoided on either side. On the summit plateau the monorail is stable and can be easily traversed. The normal muddy sections while still muddy/wet were also much less than in the past. About as easy a get as OH can be.

Parking

Lots of room at LW

Water Crossings

All crossings were low and I was able to stretch, hop across. My shorter legged partner who doesn't like hoping opted to use trash bags. She was able to make last crossing on way back without bags.

Wildlife

Not yet but there were flies moving about but not the biting kind

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

All trails / bushwhacks are in very good shape. There were some muddy areas, but for most of the hike the trails are very dry. There was a slight monorail after the slide to just below the left turn to the summit, but not enough to need microspikes. There was still snow on the summit ridge, yet it was soft and we walked on it easily without any traction. Brutus was in very good condition with pretty solid footing even in the steepest parts.

Water Crossings

One of us rock hopped and the other used plastic bags to cross on the 2 crossings before the Owl's head ascent. As long as you've got long legs and can hop, the crossings are fine.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Bushwhack, Owls Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails were very dry overall. The muddy section after Black Pond was not as bad as it usually is and easy to get through. There’s the usual wet areas that are avoidable in one way or another. Started up the bushwhack and it is bone dry in its entirety. First ice starts at the intersection with the Owls Head Path. Ice is very spotty for a quite a while. We eventually put spikes on and kept them on back down to the jct.

Parking

Bathrooms at Lincoln Woods are open

Water Crossings

1st & 3rd crossing were very easy. 2nd crossing was a little trickier but is rock hopable. My foot slipped off a rock and both feet went in. My partner stayed dry.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, herd path, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Primo conditions for spring on Owl's Head. First water crossing is easily hoppable. Second is tricky, but you can stay dry. Third is easier than the second and has a couple rock-hop routes. Snow starts at about 3,200 feet on Brutus bushwhack with thin, but stable monorail. Monorail widens as you ascend to the wooded summit.

Parking

Plenty of spaces available at Lincoln Woods.

Water Crossings

All crossings were below normal. The second crossing was the toughest, as the rocks that were best to cross were surrounded by the deepest water. Boots only got marginally damp.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack, Owl’s Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Beautiful April day. Typical muddy trail along the river. As noted above, crossings were thankfully a non-issue. I put my spikes on after Brutus joined the main trail and took them off in about the same place. Brutus was largely free of ice and snow, and brutal as always. Another group reported that the slide was dry, but I cannot personally confirm that. Lovely blue sky day!

Parking

Lots of space!

Water Crossings

Dry feet today! For reference, the USGS discharge of the East Branch of the Pemi in Lincoln was about 40o cubic feet per second. Rockhoppable (with some legit hops) without water shoes or trash bags.

Wildlife

None yet!

Trails Used

LIncoln Woods, Black Pond Trail, Black Pond Herd Path, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owls Head Path, Brutus Herd Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

LIncoln woods dry up to the crossing heading up to the crossing of the Black pond outlet brook. Mix of dry & muddiness from here up to Brutus, tuning to mud crystalline frostiness turning the shade corner of the early morning sun over to the base of the slide. Slide itself is exceptionally dry, above 3000' there is a fine icicle rivulet patch to traverse around to the left for awhile below the Brutus jct rock. Barebooted up to the summit, put spikes on from there down to 3400' on Brutus which is also very dry and minimal mud. Way out was pretty mindless until I had to start power passing hordes of muggles on Lincoln woods Minimal tree budding down low, so quite toasty in the hardwoods. I had no issues on the 3 Lincoln brook crossings and semi dry shoes. Monorail is almost nonexistent below 3600' in the shade and above is some really delightfully delectable decaying spring monorail

Parking

Lot 1/2 full

Water Crossings

All easy crossings for me, mix of dry and semisubmersible rocks to hop across

Wildlife

Swarms of muggles, many quite cute, on the way out Lincoln woods

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mt. Martha Trail, Mt. Martha Spur, Martha’s Mile Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Dry trail to about 2,900’ when patchy snow begins. By the time one reaches the ridge, there are more consistent stretches of a little bit of snow. It’s not monorail—clearly this melted out and then picked up some snow last weekend—but it’s intermittent thin, slushy patches. The ledges going up Owl’s Head are mildly spicy as there’s some ice and packed snow on them. I bare booted the entire way and IMHO that’s the easiest thing to do, but I did see a couple of people wearing rock spikes over to Owl’s Head. Either option is definitely doable. Great hike and awesome views from both Mt. Martha and Owl’s Head. I’ve never done these before and definitely enjoyed them.

Wildlife

Still in hell

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Bushwack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Bushwack, Owl’s Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Overall not bad conditions for April. The water crossings were the toughest part, and the Bushwack right before the summit was very steep and slippery. Plan ahead and bring extra socks because you should expect to get wet.

Parking

Plenty of parking at the Lincoln Woods lot. You need a recreation pass or you will need to pay.

Water Crossings

The 2 crossings right before the Brutus Bushwack were running high and my feet got wet. The current was strong in parts.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare booted the whole trip, although spikes were probably a better choice for parts of Brutus and the final push up to Owl's Head. There is every trail conditional imaginable except for deep snow - dry, muddy, icy, 1" deep slush puppy snow, etc. Crossings were ok but take some skill if you want to keep your feet dry. Overall, not half bad conditions for April, but you're probably going to get your feet wet at some point.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Lincoln Woods all day.

Water Crossings

All three major crossing could be rock hopped, although I got my feet wet in 2 of the 3.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook, Bushwhack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare booted the whole trip, although spikes were probably a better choice for parts of Brutus and the final push up to Owl's Head. There is every trail conditional imaginable except for deep snow - dry, muddy, icy, 1" deep slush puppy snow, etc. Crossings were ok but take some skill if you want to keep your feet dry. Overall, not half bad conditions for April, but you're probably going to get your feet wet at some point.

Parking

Plenty of parking at Lincoln Woods all day.

Water Crossings

All three major crossing could be rock hopped, although I got my feet wet in 2 of the 3.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Bushwhack, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare boots until 3400' at the top of the bushwhack where it levels out just before intersecting Owl's Head Path, microspikes above. Lincoln Woods Trail and Black Pond Trail - half bare ground and half firm snow a few inches deep Bushwhack, 90% snow free. Lincoln Brook Trail, most of it was snow that was stable, foot deep at most. There were some bare ground sections, standing water sections, and mud in the usual spots but the trail is in fine shape. Bushwhack, mostly snow and ice free below 3400'. What is there can easily be avoided. Owl's Head Path, up to the ridge was a firm snow and some ice, no problem in spikes. Along the ridge more of the same, some bare spots starting to sprout up along with some old drifts up to 3' deep, but mostly it was 1' to 2' of old snow. Quiet Sunday morning on Owl's Head over pretty easy conditions!

Parking

Fee lot, plenty of spaces, bathrooms were open

Water Crossings

Can be rock hopped with one or two steps on slightly submerged rocks, watch for glaze ice on rocks in the morning after a night of below freezing temps

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, bushwack, Lincoln Brook, bushwack, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

All trails were a mix of bare ground and hard packed ice on the way in. I did a little bit of microspikes on/off up until Lincoln Brook Trail, then just left the spikes on and walked through mud and rocks with them on when required. On the way back the surfaces were much softer but still appropriate for microspikes. It was quite blustery up top! Winter is still hanging around in the mountains.

Parking

Fee parking at Lincoln Woods

Water Crossings

Rivers are running high. The first two crossings were no problem. The third crossing at Lincoln Brook had no footings for people in my height range, so I used the trashbag strategy. It worked fine on the way in, but not so much on the return. While the current is fast, it was not unsafe with careful foot placement. Bring extra socks and a small towel.

Wildlife

Saw a few

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook and Brutus

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

For April it was pretty good and easy conditions. But spring conditions are highly variable and dynamic so everything you read is outdated almost immediately. But I was able to bareboot up to about halfway up Brutus despite varying amounts of snow, ice, bare ground,mud and water. The snow still was deep in places but not at all consistent so bareboots and careful foot placement seemed the best option. On Brutus the snow and ice didn't begin in earnest until the upper third after the steepest part but because of the steepness I opted for crampons although sharp spikes would suffice. I kept the crampons on to the summit and back down to the end of the upper third of Brutus. Then bareboots until the very steep section where I put on my sharp spikes and back to bareboots just past the right turn by the rocky drainage all the way back to the trailhead.

Parking

Plenty of space in Lincoln Woods parking lot.

Water Crossings

1st water crossing was easy step over with minimal boot submersion. 2nd and 3rd were a little higher with a bit of a stretch step over or rock hop but generally easy.

Wildlife

Scouts out and about! They're getting prime!

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Bushwhack, Owls Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Typical spring conditions for sure. I started early enough to enjoy the firm trails since it was still cold. By mid-morning things were softening and getting slushy. I bare booted to the start of Brutus and then used Hillsound Pros. Down low there were some areas of bare ground and rocks but it was easier to just leave the traction on. Higher up there is more ice but with the warm temps I had good purchase. The water crossings were fine for me - I did need boot covers for sure to wade through the water but the current wasn't bad at all. This gridded out April and Owls Head for me. It was a gift of a day for sure!

Parking

Plenty of room at Lincoln Woods. $5 to park or the WMNF pass

Water Crossings

I used my waterproof boot covers for the second and third crossings which worked well. The rocks are just not spaced well for funsized folks so using submerged rocks was easier for me.

Wildlife

They are starting wake up. I saw several flying around and one on a rock. Sigh.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack, Owl's Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trails were covered with softening, but supportive, snow in the morning, with many significant muddy stretches. Snow had further softened and receded in the afternoon with abundant open ground, particularly on the Black Woods bushwhack. Brutus bushwhack was icy on the ascent but had melted out in the warm sun on the descent, thankfully. We bare booted most of the trip but wore Hillsound Pros from Brutus up to summit and back. Great hike with Chris and Renee in April (read: tedious) conditions. Nice to share the trails with Kimberly, Scarlett and their group and walk the long trip out with Eric and Peter.

Parking

Four cars at large Lincoln Woods lot all day.

Water Crossings

Liberty Brook and Lincoln Brook crossings were challenging but not dangerous. Some rock-hopped these and others waded (product plug: Wiggys lightweight waders). Discharge data at Lincoln station was 525cfs in the morning and dropping.

Wildlife

Not yet.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond Bushwack and Brutus Bushwack

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

This was a long day for us! The new snow covered all so it made it more challenging with careful foot placement and navigating the bushwhacks with everything covered. Lincoln woods was solid on our way in and we wore spikes most of the day. Lots of unstable snow and monorail hidden beneath. The way up was much harder but after all the groups we all cleaned off the new snow and it was better on the way down. Ice is beneath some so going down Brutus was slow and careful as usual. It was a mixed bag of everything. On the way out there was lots of bare ground as the sun melted the new snow fast. Glad this one is done for April!

Water Crossings

Water crossings took some time and careful planning however we did rock hop and no wet feet from the river crossings.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook and Brutus.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Shoulder season hike. As the check marks above say ice and snow is melting and making a mess. the trail had plenty of water and mud. Almost hard to not get in it. Temps were ok, so I just embraced the "suck" as my hubby said and went into the water. Others were better about it. Monorail is thin, easy to slide off and post hole. We got it done and earned our burgers. Nano spikes helpful at some points, but Micro spikes were necessary.

Parking

not a problem. Pay the $5

Water Crossings

a challenge. We heard it was rock hoppable 2 days earlier. A bit tough to rock hop. Some did that. I just waded through it and took the wet boots and socks. On our way in the Ranger did warn us about the water crossings.

Wildlife

none

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

16.7 miles total distance. First mile or two barefoot, then microspikes for rest of hike. Snowshoes could be warranted as temperatures warm. K-10s or crampons recommended for icy spots but microspikes with caution adequate. Water crossings passable with 3-4 inches of rushing water. Poles recommended for water crossings. Hard crust at higher elevations, softening at lower elevations.

Water Crossings

All water crossings passable. Should be fine through the weekend until warmer temperatures and/or precipitation. Requires ability to briefly step in 3-4 inches of rushing water without getting wet and having poles.

Trails Used

LW, Black Pond, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack, Owls Head Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare boots all the way to the final bushwhack. Spikes remained on for the rest of the day. Found the trail to be a bit lumpy. Not necessarily postholes but some degrading areas of monorail, a few bare boots spots, and the warmer temps earlier making the entire trail lumpy. My ankles did not agree. I’ve found along LW, random spots on trail and it’s definitely slippery! Overall in good shape and the temps today firmed things up. Up high, approaching the summit on the flat areas, some unconsolidated snow remains. Not enough to bust out snowshoes and the traffic made it manageable. Saw maybe 5 others out there today, all in spikes. Take your time at the water crossings and enjoy!

Parking

6 cars at LW today, restrooms down for maintenance but portables available.

Water Crossings

All water bars were easy enough. 1st & 2nd major crossings saw some ice/snow and water levels normal. 3rd crossing was a challenge due to more ice, bigger hops. Nothing bridged but manageable with poles and your patience.

Trails Used

Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, Lincoln Brook and Brutus/Owl's Head Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I followed 2 sets of SS prints which was helpful for the first 5 miles in my snowshoes. But by the water crossings on Lincoln Brook the prior day and night snow mostly wiped the slate clean so light trail breaking to the summit and back. By the Lincoln Woods Trail and Osseo Trail on my exit,I switched to bareboots as the trail was packed out from all the day's LW foot traffic. Overall surprisingly good conditions except Lincoln Brook is tedious with the seemingly endless water drainages with open ground, water, rocks and mud and 2-4' drops in and out. The trail requires snowshoes but the ditches were annoying wearing snowshoes. Typical spring conditions where you're in the wrong footwear for some of the time. PS no ice showing on the Brutus bushwhack but no doubt is in hiding under the snow. I carried spikes and crampons.

Parking

Lincoln Woods parking lot mostly empty.

Water Crossings

1st was mostly open but low flow. The 2nd and 3rd water crossings were mostly bridged with a few easy long steps/short rock hops. Water flow was low so easily traversed.

Wildlife

Happily sleeping.