Event Location: Milan NH
Trip Leader(s)
Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Max # People: 8
Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Strenuous
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This overnight backpack follows the trails through the northern portion of the Pilot Range...also the northern most section of the White Mountain National Forest. Highlights include the ledges overlooking Bunnell Notch, the open views from the Cabot Cabin, Mt. Cabot's summit, the Horn, Unknown Pond, Rodger's Ledge, the Devil's Hopyard and South Pond. Day 1: Hike to Mt. Cabot (4170') via the Bunnell Notch Trail and continuing over the Bulge (3950') and the Horn (3905') to spend the night at the beautiful shores of Unknown Pond. The distance for Day 1 is 8.3 miles with 2520 feet in elevation gain (approximately 3200' accumulative gain). Day 2: Break camp and continue northward to Kilback Pond and up to Rodgers Ledge (2965') with its open granite ledge. We'll then descend heading northward to the Devil's Hopyard spur trail and then to our finish at South Pond. The distance for Day 2 is 6.8 to 8 miles with roughly 700 feet in elevation gain. Distance: Total distance for the 2 day backpack is 15.1 to 16.3 miles. NOTE: The 1.2 mile difference is due to the roundtrip on the Devil's Hopyard spur trail. This could be eliminated if there is no interest (or if there is some interest, then some could rest while others explore this dramatic gorge). Terrain: The terrain is mostly modest woodland trails with only short areas of rocky trail or granite ledge. Most of this hike is within treeline with sporatic openings. The main trail up to Cabot is not significantly steep thanks to a series of switchbacks. What to Bring: This is obviously a backpack trip! You will need a pack, tent/bivy , sleeping bag/pad, extra dry clothes, food for 2 lunches, dinner and breakfast, headlamp, bear bag/cannister, camp stove, etc. (some double up is possible for shared equipment...tents, bear bags, stoves). Typical late spring hiking gear should be appropriate: convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case...it can also be chilly and windy on the ridgeline). Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water can be filtered along the way). Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a overnight hike. Also consider bringing a towel and swim suit, if you'd like to swim.
Forecasted heavy rain or harsh weather may cancel or postpone to another date, as appropriate.
Fees: There may be a nominal charge per car (~ $5) to park at South Pond (Stark, NH), otherwise there are no other fees. Afterwards: We should be completed with the hike by 2-3PM on Sunday. We can swim at South Pond, if desired. After retrieving the cars from the other trailhead, we'll cap the day off with an early dinner/drinks in Groveton/Berlin area, if there is sufficient interest.
The trailhead parking is approximately 1.3 hours and 60 miles from Lincoln / North Woodstock. From Exit 32 on Rt. 93 as you pass Lincoln / North Woodstock continue on Rt. 93/Rt. 3 through Franconia Notch. Just north of the notch, bear right at Exit 35 and follow Rt. 3 North to Groveton (37 miles). Turn right onto Route 110 East and follow this for 10.2 miles. Turn right onto South Pond Road and follow to the recreation area at the end (1.9 miles). Look for a grey Hyundai Elantra. For GPS users: 44.597496,-71.367195. We'll carpool to the other trailhead (York Pond Road) once everyone has assembled.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
