Mount Cabot Loop

Beautiful cool day, cold enough to keep the black flies away! Water everywhere, in places had washed out or overtaken the trail, but everything was navigable. Summit itself was still in the clouds but the lookout about 3/4 mile before had a beautiful view with clearing clouds, greys and rich green of the valley and forests. Decided to do the hike as an out and back as the condition of the trail and water crossings on unknown pond trail was unknown and potentially challenging or impossible to navigate given the high water everywhere. I'd be happy to repost the hike for a fall day, hopefully a clear one to go back and experience the reported 360 degree views from The Horn.

 

This is a 10.5-11 mile loop hike that summits Mount Cabot and includes "The Bulge" and "The Horn" both at 3900+ feet. You will each be allowed 2 innuendos for the day, after which they will be required to remain inside your brain. We will ascend the Bunnell Notch Trail and pass Cabot Cabin before summiting Cabot. We continue along Kilkenny Ridge Trail, enjoy the Bulge and the Horn, about which the internet states: "The Horn: Yes, absolutely. This peak is widely known for having outstanding, near 360-degree panoramic views—especially of the Presidential Range to the south—and is even featured on the AMC's "52 With a View" list.The Bulge: No, not really. The summit is heavily wooded, so it offers little to no views." We will descend Unknown Pond Trail back to the trailhead. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mt-cabot-loop-bulge-horn ***I have not done this hike but the all trails description notes that THERE IS A GATE CLOSED 4PM-8AM, so we will NEED TO BE DOWN BEFORE 4PM. It also notes it has been buggy along unknown pond trail, so bring your bug spray and head nets.*** We will meet at the York Pond Trailhead (Bunnell Notch Trail branches off of the york pond trail about a quarter mile in). Please arrive by 8:15am, we will start hiking at 8:30am. Recommended gear: sturdy hiking boots, rain/wind gear, warm layers, sunscreen, bugspray, bug net, at least 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks, headlamp and NO COTTON.