South Kinsman, North Kinsman - Reel Brook Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail - 10-25-2014

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	South Kinsman, North Kinsman, NH

	Trails:	Reel Brook Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, October 25, 2014

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Reel Brook Rd is not maintained. Low clearance vehicles will need to use caution as there are a few washouts. Lots of rocks sticking up just before the parking lot. Low clearance vehicles will not like it.

	Surface Conditions:	Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	There were many along this route. All were higher than average but still rock hoppable. The water was noticeably lower on my return.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	All trails were clear of blowdowns. The bog bridges near Harrington Pond were under several I inches of water.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Lots of water and mud along this route. Marlie led the way up to South Kinsman. There are some large awkward boulders above Harrington Pond. They shouldn't be too difficult for experienced dogs. Saw a couple others 5 hat were well behaved.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:	I found a camera along the first steep descent heading south off of South Kinsman. I was able to catch up to its owner, an AT SOBO hiker, just above Harrington Pond. She was glad to not need to climb back up to look for it.


	Comments:	This is an excellent way to hike the Kinsmans if you're looking for some solitude. I only saw 4 others south of South Kinsman. There was a handful of others between the summits. Reel Brook Tr is a nice gentle approach to the ridge but it's a good grind up to South Kinsman. Eliza Brook Shelter is in excellent shape and the walk up along Eliza Brook is very nice with its numerous cascades and pools. There was some ice on the bog bridges on South Kinsman but it was easily avoided if you paid attention. It was nice chatting with a fellow poster to this site from CT on Reel Brook Tr (sorry, I'm horrible with names) Excellent day out with Marlie for a walk in the woods. 14.6 mi. 4300' elev + 7 hr 10 min

	Name:	IQuest

	E-Mail:	iandanner@hotmail com

	Date Submitted:	2014-10-25

	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.