The Horn - The Bulge - Mt Cabot - Unknown Pond Trail : Kilkenny Ridge Trail - 6-13-2026

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	The Horn - The Bulge - Mt Cabot, NH

	Trails:	Unknown Pond Trail : Kilkenny Ridge Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, June 13, 2026

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	The small pull-off near the trailhead can accommodate a couple of vehicles. Additional parking is available a short distance further down FR11. Mill Brook Road (FR11) is drivable for all vehicles.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	No significant water crossings on this route

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Unknown Pond Trail is in great condition. Water drainages were clear of debris. No obstructions. Kilkenny Ridge Trail has many leaners and fallen trees to step over. Nothing difficult. I cut out branches and small trees in a few spots. Kilkenny Ridge Trail has a couple of sections of standing water with no good rocks to step on. Side paths have been established to avoid the water. Kilkenny Trail has one stretch on the north side of Mt Cabot where there is running water spouting out of the ground running over loose rocks and some badly eroded ground. A short trail relocation to avoid the water would improve the trail. This problem is not new.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Fine for dogs. Some dogs may need assistance in getting up to the top of the Horn.

	Bugs:	Lots of black flies. They were swarming at the top of the Horn despite the breeze. I put on the head net at the Horn.

	Lost and Found:	Someone left trash at the summit of Mt Cabot. I packed down the trash.


	Comments:	The Unknown Pond Trail is a relatively easy hike up to the pond from Mill Brook Road with some wet areas down low (often rocks and roots in these spots to step on). The Kilkenny Trail is rougher in places with a lot of rocky sections with some ups and downs. This area seems more a wilderness than some of the trails in the designated wilderness areas to the south in the WMNF. The easiest access to the top of the Horn is via a beaten path to the left of the summit ledges (on ascent) wrapping around to the rear (north) side of the summit rocks. There are no views from Mt Cabot's summit. The actual summit is at the end of a short side path starting by the trail sign. Lots of Bluebead Lily and Bunchberries. Lady's Slippers on the Unknown Pond Trail. There are two access paths down to Unknown Pond. The path near the sign where the Kilkenny Ridge Trail heads north from the Unknown Pond trail leads down to the pond where there is a good view to the Horn Lots of hikers out today. Most were hiking the loop over Mt Cabot and the Horn from York Pond Road. The best views are from the Horn. Good vantage point to see the Mahoosuc Range.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	waumbek1@charter.net

	Date Submitted:	2026-06-13

	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.