North Kinsman, South Kinsman, Mt. Wolf - Basin-Cascades Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Kinsman Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail - 10-20-2019

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North Kinsman, South Kinsman, Mt. Wolf, NH

	Trails:	Basin-Cascades Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Kinsman Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Sunday, October 20, 2019

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Lots of parking at Beaver Brook and the Basin at 8AM and 5PM

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Slush

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	We were able to rock hop the three main crossings on this route with a little effort. The first two were the trickiest. Third at the beginning of Kinsman Pond was easier than expected

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	A few fresh blowdowns going up Kinsman Pond. The 1.5 miles north of the Reel Brook intersection on Kinsman Ridge going up Mt. Wolf got hammered by the storm a few days ago. A few climb-overs, one crawl under, numerous walk-arounds, and one major clump of very dangerous looking lean-overs right on top of the trail. Plenty of smaller branches all over the trail and plenty of leaves clogging up some water bars

	Dog-Related Notes:	Very rough and wet trail, as expected. Fin handled all 17 miles no problem, but parts of this hike (particularly the descent off South Kinsman) could be tough for inexperienced dogs

	Bugs:	nope

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	We saw 9 hikers between Kinsman Pond and South Kinsman, and that was it all day. Water crossings were easier than expected. It was raining melting rime ice on us from 3700 feet until we were over South Kinsman. As expected, the entire hike was incredibly wet and muddy. Waterproof boots were much appreciated. A bit of ice on the kinsmans but no traction was necessary and the spikes took a ride. A fine day to red-line and suffer in the mountains!

	Name:	Spence and Dan and Fin the dog

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2019-10-20

	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.