BIGEarl
Well-known member
January 25, 2014: Cabot
Trails: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail
Summits: Cabot
Hikers: Trail Trotter (Sue) and me
A difficult weather forecast pushed us off Plan A to Plan B for the day, and it turned out to be a very nice end result. The weather history indicated our decision was a good one.
After a very long drive to reach the trailhead and final hike prep we were ready to start hiking. There were a few others ahead of us on the trail and more to follow. Cabot was a popular target for the day.
Our final hike preparation involved putting on the MICROSpikes. We left the truck with light traction and that’s all we used until the end. The full route was solid and flat with a light dusting of snow. The crossings along the way were no problem at all. After leaving the truck, our route started on an old logging road. Within a short distance (~.2 miles), York Pond Trail went left off the road and Bunnell Notch Trail continued to follow it. Eventually we reached a trail sign posted in the middle of the old roadway marking the turn off the road and start of the climb. The climb to the height of land in Bunnell Notch is generally mild through relatively open hardwoods. Approaching the height of land the trail starts into the conifers. The dense cover was welcomed protection from the windy conditions.
We cleared Bunnell Notch and headed north on Kilkenny Ridge Trail. Soon the Mt. Cabot Trail entered from the left. Both trails run together to the summit. Roughly .4 miles from the junction we came to the spur leading to Bunnell Rock. We always wander out to check the views but they were pretty limited on this hike. We were able to see to Terrace Mountain and little more. After a couple pictures we were on our way.
From Bunnell Rock to Cabot Cabin is generally a constant climb; not at all steep but continuous. As we made our way to the lower summit and Cabot Cabin the trees became more loaded with snow and the scenery really improved with elevation. Eventually the grade leveled off and we were approaching the cabin. A couple more pictures and we kept moving to the summit.
From the cabin to the summit is a relatively short walk with plenty of snow in the trees. We passed the old tower clearing but there were no views to enjoy. A short time later we arrived to the Cabot summit area. There is a tree that has previously been the location of a sign identifying the summit and elevation. The tree is still there but the sign has been removed. I really doubt this was the work of the Forest Service and wonder who removed the sign, and why? Another tree with a stick mounted to it marked Cabot is nearby (~150 feet north).
We got a few pictures, made the u-turn, and headed back out the way we hiked in. We cruised past Cabot Cabin, descended to Bunnell Notch, made the turn and headed to the logging road, and finally the easy walk to the truck.
Cabot is a very sheltered hike and one of the peaks I consider to be good bad weather targets. The sheltered conditions on Cabot were perfect for the day. It didn’t take long to pack for the trip south. A quick stop in Gorham to change and we were on our way.
I’ve posted some pictures from the day.
BIGEarl's Pictures
Straight to the slideshow
Trails: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail
Summits: Cabot
Hikers: Trail Trotter (Sue) and me
A difficult weather forecast pushed us off Plan A to Plan B for the day, and it turned out to be a very nice end result. The weather history indicated our decision was a good one.
After a very long drive to reach the trailhead and final hike prep we were ready to start hiking. There were a few others ahead of us on the trail and more to follow. Cabot was a popular target for the day.
Our final hike preparation involved putting on the MICROSpikes. We left the truck with light traction and that’s all we used until the end. The full route was solid and flat with a light dusting of snow. The crossings along the way were no problem at all. After leaving the truck, our route started on an old logging road. Within a short distance (~.2 miles), York Pond Trail went left off the road and Bunnell Notch Trail continued to follow it. Eventually we reached a trail sign posted in the middle of the old roadway marking the turn off the road and start of the climb. The climb to the height of land in Bunnell Notch is generally mild through relatively open hardwoods. Approaching the height of land the trail starts into the conifers. The dense cover was welcomed protection from the windy conditions.
We cleared Bunnell Notch and headed north on Kilkenny Ridge Trail. Soon the Mt. Cabot Trail entered from the left. Both trails run together to the summit. Roughly .4 miles from the junction we came to the spur leading to Bunnell Rock. We always wander out to check the views but they were pretty limited on this hike. We were able to see to Terrace Mountain and little more. After a couple pictures we were on our way.
From Bunnell Rock to Cabot Cabin is generally a constant climb; not at all steep but continuous. As we made our way to the lower summit and Cabot Cabin the trees became more loaded with snow and the scenery really improved with elevation. Eventually the grade leveled off and we were approaching the cabin. A couple more pictures and we kept moving to the summit.
From the cabin to the summit is a relatively short walk with plenty of snow in the trees. We passed the old tower clearing but there were no views to enjoy. A short time later we arrived to the Cabot summit area. There is a tree that has previously been the location of a sign identifying the summit and elevation. The tree is still there but the sign has been removed. I really doubt this was the work of the Forest Service and wonder who removed the sign, and why? Another tree with a stick mounted to it marked Cabot is nearby (~150 feet north).
We got a few pictures, made the u-turn, and headed back out the way we hiked in. We cruised past Cabot Cabin, descended to Bunnell Notch, made the turn and headed to the logging road, and finally the easy walk to the truck.
Cabot is a very sheltered hike and one of the peaks I consider to be good bad weather targets. The sheltered conditions on Cabot were perfect for the day. It didn’t take long to pack for the trip south. A quick stop in Gorham to change and we were on our way.
I’ve posted some pictures from the day.
BIGEarl's Pictures
Straight to the slideshow
