Kurchian
Member
Well, let's face it. Most of us who climb Cabot the first time do as part of their peak-bagging quest. But, after bagging Cabot I want to go back and check out the rest of the range.
I had read in an older edition of the White Mountain guide that the trail was very wet and difficult to follow. I was slightly concerned about that because I was hiking solo and didn't want to be wandering around off trail in the Pilot Range looking for the trail. Yet, I was gratified to learn that the trail is easy to follow. Although I never saw a blaze on the Bunnell Notch Trail it was easy to follow. I suspect that the closing of the west approach has increased traffic on the east side. I had thought about trekking up via the Mt. Cabot trail but thought it best to respect the angry landowner on the Mt. Cabot trail. Actually, I am glad I went up from the east as I found the Cabot Fish Hatchery fascinating.
When you hike in this area you feel isolated. There aren't as many people around as you might encounter elsewhere in the more popular areas of the Whites. As I approached the trailhead by York Pond at about 8:00AM I encountered a moose. I'd seen moose by the side of the road several times but this was my first sighting while on foot. Very exciting. It stood staring at me from a distance of about 50 feet. When the gangly looking moose finally trotted off it did so with unexpected grace.
After you depart from the hatchery area you walk up a former logging road. It is mostly flat. The good news is that the first mile or so (and the last mile if you return the same way) is a grass path. Easy on your feet while you get warmed up. In fact, even when you reach Bunnell Notch Trail the first half of the trail is mostly rock free, unusual for the Whites. the walk up the logging road is interesting as it is still devoid of trees. Hence the open areas get sunlight and wildflowers abound.
When you finally turn left into the woods to head toward Bunnell Notch the climb begins. It is never very difficult however. The intersection with Kilkenny Ridge Trial is somewhat confusing. The secret is knowing that the Kilkenny and Bunnell Notch trails appear to merge for a short distance. As long as you stay right you'll come to the Kilkenny Ridge Trail that goes up towards the summit as opposed to left, which sends you elsewhere.
This was my first hike with a GPSr. I entered in several waypoints before I left and was able to anticipate the Bunnell Notch area as well as the cabin. I had excellent reception. I also knew far more than I needed to know vis-a-vis my ascension rate, my mph, as well as other more arcane statistics.
About a quarter mile from the summit there is an old firewarden's cabin which is still very usable. I think there are 4-6 bunks in there. There is also a great view from the front porch.
As noted the climb is pretty easy for a 4000-footer. The total walk from the east side is 9.6 miles. It took me, a slow walker, about 6 hours round trip. I am pleased to report that there were virtually no insects. That surprised me considering how wet the area is. There was a light breeze and the temps were in the 60's througout. That makes 43 of 48!
I had read in an older edition of the White Mountain guide that the trail was very wet and difficult to follow. I was slightly concerned about that because I was hiking solo and didn't want to be wandering around off trail in the Pilot Range looking for the trail. Yet, I was gratified to learn that the trail is easy to follow. Although I never saw a blaze on the Bunnell Notch Trail it was easy to follow. I suspect that the closing of the west approach has increased traffic on the east side. I had thought about trekking up via the Mt. Cabot trail but thought it best to respect the angry landowner on the Mt. Cabot trail. Actually, I am glad I went up from the east as I found the Cabot Fish Hatchery fascinating.
When you hike in this area you feel isolated. There aren't as many people around as you might encounter elsewhere in the more popular areas of the Whites. As I approached the trailhead by York Pond at about 8:00AM I encountered a moose. I'd seen moose by the side of the road several times but this was my first sighting while on foot. Very exciting. It stood staring at me from a distance of about 50 feet. When the gangly looking moose finally trotted off it did so with unexpected grace.
After you depart from the hatchery area you walk up a former logging road. It is mostly flat. The good news is that the first mile or so (and the last mile if you return the same way) is a grass path. Easy on your feet while you get warmed up. In fact, even when you reach Bunnell Notch Trail the first half of the trail is mostly rock free, unusual for the Whites. the walk up the logging road is interesting as it is still devoid of trees. Hence the open areas get sunlight and wildflowers abound.
When you finally turn left into the woods to head toward Bunnell Notch the climb begins. It is never very difficult however. The intersection with Kilkenny Ridge Trial is somewhat confusing. The secret is knowing that the Kilkenny and Bunnell Notch trails appear to merge for a short distance. As long as you stay right you'll come to the Kilkenny Ridge Trail that goes up towards the summit as opposed to left, which sends you elsewhere.
This was my first hike with a GPSr. I entered in several waypoints before I left and was able to anticipate the Bunnell Notch area as well as the cabin. I had excellent reception. I also knew far more than I needed to know vis-a-vis my ascension rate, my mph, as well as other more arcane statistics.
About a quarter mile from the summit there is an old firewarden's cabin which is still very usable. I think there are 4-6 bunks in there. There is also a great view from the front porch.
As noted the climb is pretty easy for a 4000-footer. The total walk from the east side is 9.6 miles. It took me, a slow walker, about 6 hours round trip. I am pleased to report that there were virtually no insects. That surprised me considering how wet the area is. There was a light breeze and the temps were in the 60's througout. That makes 43 of 48!
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