North Weeks, Middle Weeks, South Weeks - York Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail - 6-18-2022

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North Weeks, Middle Weeks, South Weeks, NH

	Trails:	York Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, June 18, 2022

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Parking for York Pond Trail is an area large enough for only 4 cars nearly at end of York Pond Road. Overflow parking is at larger parking area a quarter mile before this one at Unknown Pond Trailhead. Some people also park along York Pond Road, but don't know if this is acceptable. Fish Hatchery gate across road was open before 7AM. York Pond Road is off NH110 north of Berlin, about 1.5 miles from Berlin/Milan town line (3.4 miles beyond entrance to Jericho State Park). Large Berlin Fish Hatchery sign at junction. Beginning of YPR is paved with exception of 2 or 3 sections where pavement has been removed, possibly for repairs? The part of the road near the hiking parking areas is unpaved. All unpaved sections were washboard with some shallow potholes, but nothing that should cause tire/wheel damage if maintaining speed of 20-30 mph, but will definitely rattle teeth over 20mph.

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

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	The crossings for the first half mile on York Pond were bridged (some with planks and one footbridge) or were rock hops on wet or partially submerged rocks. The two significant crossings at about .6 required steps where water covered toes of boots. Waterproof boots kept feet dry. Anything else would cause wet feet. Water shoes went for a ride.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	There are very few blazes on either trail, and those that were visible were so faint you wouldn't see them more than 20 feet away. The footpaths were generally easy to see and follow, with a few exceptions noted below. Lost trail after first significant crossing at .6 miles on return. Blazes or some kind of markers at crossings would be helpful. Most blowdowns have been cleared in some way (lot of saw shavings on trail) except for a couple of walk-unders that were difficult to get low enough to clear pack. Some bog bridges were broken or unsecured. There were at least 3 that acted like see saws and some others about to become same. The biggest problem was encroaching ferns and other vegetation on several sections of both trails. With recent rain overnight and some showers during the day, these areas were hiker washes causing wet legs from knees down.

	Dog-Related Notes:	If your dog likes standing water, bogs, wading across streams and generally wet trails, then this is the trail for your furry friend. Most of the stream access is on York Pond Trail with only 1 or 2 small streams on KRT (possibly dry in some conditions). No obstacles (e.g. scrambles) that would cause problems.

	Bugs:	Chill, rainy conditions and winds (20-30mph) kept them away during hike, but skeeters and black flies were ready at trailhead to take advantage of changing out of wet clothes.

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	York Pond Trail - The First half stays near brook and there are several stream crossings (some require wading in high water) and boggy areas, some with bog bridges in various states of deterioration, or submerged rocks for rock hopping. Also encroaching vegetation, especially for first .3-.4 mile. The junction at Bunnel Notch trail is a herdpath that branches left through wet grass as the "trail" at the junction sign is completely overgrown. The grade is easy to moderate with a few rocks and roots, but mostly good footing other than the wet areas. About halfway to the KRT, the trail moves away from the brook and climbs more steeply with more rougher segments (rocks and roots, drainages). This section is dryer except for the encroaching sections and a few wet spots. Kilkenny Ridge Trail - From junction with YPT, generally steady climb to summit of North Weeks with several rocky sections and some encroaching sections, but with some more moderate and smoother sections. The descent to the col with Middle and climb to Middle are more of the same with a mix of moderately steep and flatter sections, some standing water and mud and encroaching sections. The descent to col between Middle and South is short and easier grade (less than 200 elevation loss) and then a steep rough and wet (encroaching) climb to South. Summit for South is a few feet off a side trail and marked by a cairn. I saw no marker for North, but there is a small open area right at 3902 feet (from 2 GPS devices) and side trail there definitely loses elevation, so assumed that must be summit (official height is 3901). The entire KRT section also has many exposed wet tree roots. Travel is much slower on this section due to need to take great care with foot placement.

	Name:	SpartyHikerfromME

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2022-06-18

	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.