Owl's Head

Trail: Lincoln Woods, Black Pond, bushwack, Lincoln Brook, bushwack, Owl's Head Path

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable)

“All trails were a mix of bare ground and hard packed ice on the way in. I did a little bit of microspikes on/off up until Lincoln Brook Trail, then just left the spikes on and walked through mud and rocks with them on when required. On the way back the surfaces were much softer but still appropriate for microspikes. It was quite blustery up top! Winter is still hanging around in the mountains.”

Trail: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack, Owl's Head Path

Conditions: Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Slush

“Typical spring conditions for sure. I started early enough to enjoy the firm trails since it was still cold. By mid-morning things were softening and getting slushy. I bare booted to the start of Brutus and then used Hillsound Pros. Down low there were some areas of bare ground and rocks but it was easier to just leave the traction on. Higher up there is more ice but with the warm temps I had good purchase. The water crossings were fine for me - I did need boot covers for sure to wade through the water but the current wasn't bad at all. This gridded out April and Owls Head for me. It was a gift of a day for sure!”

Trail: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, bushwhack, Owl's Head Path

Conditions: Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant

“Trails were covered with softening, but supportive, snow in the morning, with many significant muddy stretches. Snow had further softened and receded in the afternoon with abundant open ground, particularly on the Black Woods bushwhack. Brutus bushwhack was icy on the ascent but had melted out in the warm sun on the descent, thankfully. We bare booted most of the trip but wore Hillsound Pros from Brutus up to summit and back. Great hike with Chris and Renee in April (read: tedious) conditions. Nice to share the trails with Kimberly, Scarlett and their group and walk the long trip out with Eric and Peter.”