Another Owl's Head Question

[SherpaTom]

Our plan is to hike Owl's Head the weekend of 11/8-11/10. Since the water crossings will not be frozen over, can they be bypassed? Someone had mentioned to us that this can be done at or near Black Pond? if so, can anyone give us some details on finding the herd path and/or potentially any compass points. If so, does this then hook us up with Lincoln Brook Trail and how far from the Lincoln Brook crossing if it does? Either way, if we need to cross or not, we would then look for the Brutus Bushwack correct? Again, we are looking for details as to where this exists in releation to the actual trail description. We are not novice hikers, just not 100% true bushwackers.

Thanks for all the help you can provide

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Tom,

Try this thread. There is a lot of detail on the bushwhacks here. In short, yes, the "Black Pond Bushwhack" avoids the two biggest crossings. In particular, there are two good map views in reply #35.

Tim

 

[TEO]

It's time to practice your map and compass skills. On your map--preferably at home, before the hike--take a compass bearing from the end of the Black Pond Trail to the Lincoln Brook Trail somewhere West of the first (furthest downstream) Lincoln Brook Crossing (some people take a bearing from the end of the Black Pond Trail to the southern tip of Owls Head).

For the return, once you get to the first (furthest downstream) Lincoln Brook crossing, simply stay on southwestern bank of Lincoln Brook, which becomes the western bank of Franconia Brook. This will bring you to the northern end of the Franconia Falls Trail. I've heard this return bushwhack called the Fisherman's Bushwhack, you may or may not stumble on intermittent herd paths; both it and the Black Pond bushwhack are through open woods.

 

[bryan]

i would second the suggestion teo makes about the fishermans path route. there used to be a nearly continuous herd path all the way from franconia falls to lincoln brook trail, but the route went out of vogue in recent years with everyone talking about the black pond route and irene did damage in some spots. there are still good herd paths much of the way, but definitely not continuous. if you stick with the river you will keep finding paths and eventually hit the lincoln brook trail.
the owls head path to the summit could very well be the way to go rather than attempting a bushwhack depending on conditions. ice is possible in spots on and above the slide that time of year and will obviously depend on what the weather does. i have been up there late in november and encountered no ice and been up there mid october and found significant ice. joy of the shoulder season.

bryan

 

[IQuest]

Also, the Brutus whack does not save you any water crossings. The "path" up the slide shoud be fine this time of year, although there is a chance of morning ice near the top as it is usually wet where it reenters the trees.

 

[Tom_Murphy]

The Black Pond BW is a great one to get started with. Being off trail and alone in the forest is kind of scary. The first bushwhack after a long hiatus still makes me nervous.

 

[TEO]

Also, the Brutus whack does not save you any water crossings. The "path" up the slide shoud be fine this time of year, although there is a chance of morning ice near the top as it is usually wet where it reenters the trees.

What IQuest said.

IMnotsoHO, the slide was the most interesting part of the hike to the Owls Head summit and back. Unless you're a moose, you're following a 200 lb Newfoundland, or you've done the slide before, why would you skip it?

 

[iagreewithjamie]

the slide was the most interesting part of the hike to the Owls Head summit and back. Unless you're a moose, you're following a 200 lb Newfoundland, or you've done the slide before, why would you skip it?

Best view of the Eastern side of the Franc. Ridge as well. Every picture of the Franconias has Owl's Head in front of it... except for the one you take from the slide.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

The Brutus 'whack is a fine alternative to the slide during winter months, but it's not a better 3-season route, particularly if you don't know the route already. The route is not intuitive, and in places it's very steep, followed by a section of side-hilling over steep terrain.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Every picture of the Franconias has Owl's Head in front of it... except for the one you take from the slide.

Or from the Kinsmans.

Tim

 

[SherpaTom]

Thanks everyone!!!