| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Owl's Head, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, herd path, Lincoln Brook Trail, herd path, Owl's Head Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, September 7, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The Lot Full sign was up at 7:15 AM with cars lining the road west of the campground. That said, Lincoln Woods was only half full at that time, so I was able to get a good spot. Filled to the brim early this afternoon with cars nearly to the curve west of the campground. I'm finding driving this section of 112 to be unnerving, with cars lining both sides and people randomly popping out. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All three via this route were quite low. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Took out one blowdown on Lincoln Woods. I recollect a few stepovers on Black Pond Trail. No blowdowns on Lincoln Brook. Lots of unmitigated erosion on Lincoln Brook and Owl's Head Path, as well as the herd paths. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Minimal |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Lincoln Woods Trail was mostly dry. Somewhat quiet this morning. Black Pond Trail was also generally dry with a few mud pits in the usual spots. Noted some damage likely from "social distancing" with footsteps down embankments compromising the trail bed. Please watch where you step.
The woods north of Black Pond are a mess. I think the Forest Service needs to extend the trail, on a sustainable route, to Lincoln Brook. At present, there are at least 4 distinct herd path entrances near the pond. Numerous herd paths crisscross, with at least two now worn through the duff. Some routes go through mud bogs, while others are shredding tree root balls. A properly-built trail is the best way to protect this part of the wilderness.
Lincoln Brook Trail was fairly dry with mud in the usual places.
Brutus continues to get heavy use. Unfortunately the route up from the drainage is very steep and not at all sustainable, and is now digging into the roots. This can be avoided by bushwhacking (not the same has following a herd path) up the drainage a little further, then slabbing over.
Upper Owl's Head Path was a mess with loose rock, etc.
Quiet morning, but lots of folks ascending the peak proper prior to lunch time. Lincoln Woods was a conga line around noontime. Cloudy morning with a chilly start, giving way to summer-like temperatures and partial sunshine in the early afternoon. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-09-07 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
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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. |
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