Also on this trip

Trails Used

Roaring Brook, Chimney Pond, Dudley, Knife Edge, Saddle

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is a challenging and rewarding hike. I think it is 14.2 miles and 5,500' gain. It was a perfect weather day. I hung around and took my time preparing because in Baxter, it seems that most hikers start hiking at the same time, especially day use hikers. I also wanted to wait for the air to warm up a bit. The top half of the Dudley Trail is a very steep boulder climb. The section between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak is almost a technical climb, and it's not uncommom for a hiker to freeze and cause a traffic jam. This is one of the very best above treeline hikes in the northeast.

Parking

By reservation only, if not camping in the park. And if you have a reservation, you still need to be at the gate before your reservation expires at 7:05am.

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.

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

Winslow Trail, Barlow Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great conditions, only one small 2 foot by 1.5 foot patch of ice on the Winslow trail about 3/4 of the way up. Was able to bare boot all the way. I was the first one in the parking lot in the AM. Went up Winslow and down Barlow. Saw 5 other people on the trail. When I got back to the parking lot there were roughly about 10 cars parked at noon time.

Parking

Parked at Winslow State Park, gate is open.

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

There were about 5 midgies buzzing me in the parking lot on the way in and the way out, no bugs on the trail.