The Horn

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

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“It was a spectacular day to be out! Trails were in great condition!! They were pretty dry for the most part there was a few spots that were a little mucky but nothing that wasn't manageable. All water crossings were easy to hop over. There were a few step over blow downs. I ran into a few people at the start on Bunnell Notch Trail. After I had passed them I saw no one till I got closer to Unknown Pond then I ran into quite a few more people along the way out. I had a nice conversation with somebody who recognized my name from posting on here. Wonderful lady if you see this (Hi again!!!). Lots of moose poop around Unknown Pond. But unluckily no moose sitings this day. I was looking though. The bushwhack up to Unknown Pond Peak had been flagging taped out to it. (I am posting this on 7/28 it has since been removed). All in all it is was a great day to be out!!!”

Trail: Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Devil's Hopyard Trail, Horn Spur, Cabot Spring Spur, Terrace Spur, Starr King Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant

“Lots I could say here about this three-day adventure, but most of it has probably already been said by others. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me and ask! Cabot Spring was flowing but very slowly- like almost 10min per liter slow. I wouldn't count on it as a water source. Good flow from the stream by Mill Brook trail junction, plenty of water in Unknown Pond, decent enough flow in Willard Notch and the spring below Starr King. Otherwise, not much for water along this route at the moment.”

Trail: Bushwhack

Conditions: Dry Trail

“Having read reports of the ascent from the east, and the various challenges (cliffs, prickers/ticks) I opted to try the shorter, less discussed route from the west. Worked out great. We started by walking at the edge of the field, then a short ways NE on the RR tracks before hitting a road which cut back south before a split where we went left. Followed this road until it petered out and the ascent began. It was definitely steep, but generally good woods. We aimed to hit the ridge right around 1800 and that worked well. There were two potentially tricky sport - one where the forest switched from hard woods to softwoods (visible from sat) and the other right before the ridge. But wasn't hard to find an OK route through these spots. Once on the ridge, we followed a blazed path south to the summit. Followed the same path down. 60 mins up, 30 mins down. Not sure why this isn't the standard route - certainly seems quicker than the eastern approach and the cliffs seem less problematic from this side.”