| 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: |
Sunday, November 1, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lincoln Woods had plenty of room around 7 and 3. The portapotties were removed today; looks like the normal bathroom has reopened. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There is currently one crossing on the Lincoln Woods Trail that could be a little tricky (Forest Service has barricaded the bridge somewhat near the Osseo junction). Beyond the Black Pond herd path, crossing 1 was fine, which crossings 2 and 3 were a little tricky (some ice glazing the rocks), but not too bad with poles. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns on Black Pond or Lincoln Brook. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
According to the WMNF Facebook page, the Lincoln Woods Trail will be closed Monday 11/2 and Tuesday 11/3.
Lincoln Woods Trail was mostly dry (see Water Crossing notes). Black Pond Trail was also fairly dry.
Black Pond herd paths are a mess; many separate routes zig zagging, causing much more of an environmental impact than just having a formal, sustainable trail constructed. It is time to extend the Black Pond Trail to Lincoln Brook.
Lincoln Brook Trail had some muck, as well as some isolated patches of ice. We were able to bareboot it without issue.
The herd path up Brutus was snow free and dry until entering the softwoods on the steeps, where there was a dusting of snow and occasional black ice. A consistent dusting of snow didn't start until the traverse over to the boulder. The upper Owl's Head Path was slippery with the snow and ice. We barebooted with care, but almost put on spikes for the descent (not quite enough snow for my liking). The ridge had about an inch or so of snow.
Lincoln Woods was a ghost town compared to what it's been over the past half year. Ran into a few small groups going to Owl's Head, but overall I think we saw maybe a dozen or so hikers all day. A bit chilly with a few short glimpses of sun down low. Rain held off until the drive home. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-11-01 |
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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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