| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Caribou Mountain, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Caribou Trail, Mud Brook Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, June 5, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot off route 113. The outhouse has been removed.
Route 113 has a new coat of asphalt for smooth driving. The road is narrower than the usual state route but can handle two-way traffic. Watch out for bicyclists. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings on rocks.
The first crossing of Morrison Brook is the widest. The best rocks are just a few steps upstream from the old bridge crossing (removed).
Another crossing uphill of Kees Falls has wet mossy ledges that are slippery. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are in good condition. Tree falls are at or near ground level that are stepovers or straddle overs. Wilderness maintenance rules for much of this loop trip. The cairns on the Mud Brook Trail in the ledgy sections are not prominent and requires careful attention. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. |
|
 | Bugs: |
There were lots of black flies. I donned the head net at the Caribou - Mud Brook trail junction. I received one black bite on my exposed hand. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I ascended via the Caribou Trail and summited and descended from Caribou Mountain on the Mud Brook Trail. The many falls and cascades seen from the Caribou Trail are beautiful. They may be less impressive during a dry spell. Kees Falls is noted on the map, however, there are other cascades and falls including one on a tributary that is much higher than Kees Falls.
There were quite a few mud areas on both trails but there are usually rocks to keep footwear out of the muck. Nevertheless, most of the surfaces are dry (before the weekend rain)
There are great views from the summit. One can see the Mahoosucs, Kilkenny Range, Carter-Moriah, and the high peaks of the Presidential Range. There are also views of Kezar Lake, Pleasant Mountain, and Kearsarge North. There is an exceptional view of Evans Notch from ledges on the Mud Brook Trail below the summit.
There is a USGS benchmark at the summit. The Mud Brook Trail turns left just before the open summit when coming up from Caribou Trail.
I spotted Bluebead Lily, Painted Trillium, Bunchberry, Lady's Slipper, Hobblebush, and Mayflower. That said, the wildflowers are not plentiful.
Ran into a Spruce Grouse Hen that was aggressive with rushes toward me and cries. I assume it was protecting its chicks that I did not spot. Piles of moose droppings in many places on both trails.
There were bike tracks in many mud spots on the Mud Brook Trail even in the Wilderness. Bikes are prohibited in the Wilderness Area as noted in the signage. |
|
 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
|
 | E-Mail: |
waumbek1@charter1.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-06-05 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
