West Bond

Trail: Pemi East Side Trail, bushwhack, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twin Brook Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

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

“Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.”

Trail: Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

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

“Lots of standing and/or running water on the Zealand Trail and the Twinway. Lots of mud on both trails often with rocks emplaced in the mud to facilitate stepping without immersion in the mud. The Bondcliff Trail and West Bond Spur were generally dry. Superb views from Zeacliff, Guyot, West Bond, and Mt Bond. Zealand Falls and the cascades below and above the falls were impressive due to the high water flow. Many hikers out today. Many based their hikes from the Zealand or Galehead huts and Guyot Campsite. One man in the process of a direttissima hike. Met one northbound AT thru hiker from Illinois and a Quebec hiker section hiking the AT. One Pemi Looper starting and ending at Liberty Springs.”

Trail: Lincoln Woods Trail, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Zealand Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Nothing super noteworthy. Knowing Lincoln Woods Trail will be closing on Monday, June 15, a traverse was in order. A slightly unconventional way to do the traverse by starting at LW, but it was better mentally to not have to do the LW death march at the end of a long day. This direction does add around 800ft of elevation gain to the traverse, but being able to refill water at the end of the day at Zealand Hut was oh so welcomed. The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday and lots of people were out enjoying the day. A few NH48 finishers on West Bond!”