Bigelows: Avery and West Peaks, South and North Horns via Firewarden, Bigelow Range and Horns Pond trails, July 28, 2012.
Nothing notable on the way up Firewarden's trail; trail was quite dry (one muddy spot above Moose Falls camp site). Between West Peak and South Horn there's a section of trail with strewn pieces of rotted wood. Much trail maintenance was evident on Horn Pond trail. Several summit signs above tree line could use repainting.
No special equipment needed. We kept our eyes on the skies as thunderstorms were predicted. Started to rain during the last hour of the hike.
We got the Subaru Outback all the way to the pond without incident (vehicle clearance avoided a big rock and a few big dips in the road) but left the Fusion in the second parking area. Pond parking lot was pretty full; several tents set up near the pond. It was a beautiful day on the ridge with mad views, comfortable temps and little wind.
Because of the forecast we opted to hike this loop counterclockwise so we wouldn't have to descend the steep rock "stairs" of the Firewarden's trail in the rain with tired legs (in my opinion, these rock "stairs" aren't that steep).
Nothing notable on the way up Firewarden's trail; trail was quite dry (one muddy spot above Moose Falls camp site). Between West Peak and South Horn there's a section of trail with strewn pieces of rotted wood. Much trail maintenance was evident on Horn Pond trail. Several summit signs above tree line could use repainting.
No special equipment needed. We kept our eyes on the skies as thunderstorms were predicted. Started to rain during the last hour of the hike.
We got the Subaru Outback all the way to the pond without incident (vehicle clearance avoided a big rock and a few big dips in the road) but left the Fusion in the second parking area. Pond parking lot was pretty full; several tents set up near the pond. It was a beautiful day on the ridge with mad views, comfortable temps and little wind.
Because of the forecast we opted to hike this loop counterclockwise so we wouldn't have to descend the steep rock "stairs" of the Firewarden's trail in the rain with tired legs (in my opinion, these rock "stairs" aren't that steep).
