Mount Cabot (4170') via Unknown Pond Trail
26June2012
I hiked Mt Cabot today with Mike, and his dog, Madison. Weather was moderate off and on rain all day. The trail was actually a ton of fun, because of how unique is was to NH.
Unknown Pond Trail: Moderate grade, multiple river and stream crossings. Most of the Unknown Pond Trail is in and out of the woods, crossing through large, open, sloped riverbeds that are overgrown with low vegetation. Along the trail, we spotted 3 moose, one time within 100 feet of us. This is the 2nd hike that I have forgotten my camera, and I regret it. The trail crosses by the Unknown Pond, which, if the views weren't hindered by thick fog, would be an awesome place to relax on a hot summer day. The trail reaches a high point on The Bulge, where the ground is littered with Moose scat. The pitch increases as the trail goes on, descending a few times, and ascends up to the viewless summit of Cabot.
Kilkenny Ridge Trail: Descends the summit of Cabot, leading to Cabot cabin; a primitive cabin with a few shelves, 4 bed platforms, a table, and a view from the porch. The trail gradually descends from here, relatively easy, with some scrambled rocks and roots.
Bunnell Notch Trail: Breaks off the Kilkenny Ridge Trail, and drops gradually to old logging roads, overgrown with low vegetation. The trail crosses some streams and rivers. My feet and legs were soaked at this point, so I ran right through the stream crossings. The trail maintains a comfortable grade with easy walking. Overall, for a rainy day hike, this was a very enjoyable one.
Distance: About 11 miles.
Time: 5.25 hours.
Chance of re-hike: 7/10. Unique, open river banks and slopes, with moderate, comfortable grade for most of the hike. Not much for views, though.
Wildlife: 10/10: Birds, 3 moose, 1 black bear on York Pond Rd.
Solitude: 8/10: Saw 3 people on the way down, none on the way up.
Enjoyed a peppercorn bacon burger with a 20 oz stout at the Moat Brewery in N Conway afterwards. I highly recommend that place for post-hike chow.
