The Horn

Trail: Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur

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

“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.”

Trail: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur, Unknown Pond Trail

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

“Last night’s storm did not leave any snow on the summit. However, melting ice chunks were falling from the trees today. The tail is pretty muddy so I wore my waterproof winter boots and gaiters and that was fine. No traction required at this time. But be careful because a lot of the rocks and roots were slippery. No monorail.”

Trail: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur, Unknown Pond Trail

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

“Beautiful day for it! Basically summer conditions- there is maybe 1 square foot of snow on the trail between the Cabot summit and the Buldge and otherwise none to be found. Ascent on Bunnell Notch was not as muddy as expected, but descent via Unknown Pond had large sections of the trail that were very muddy. Most sections have well placed rocks that make it pretty manageable. Saw two gray jays at the cabin, a yellow-bellied sap sucker, and lots of moose scat but no moose. Met lots of friendly people along the way but also had long stretches of quiet trail even on the holiday”