Owls Head via Lincoln Brook Trail - bushwack to it, or not?

[torn&frayed]

Assuming no snow on the ground, with normal November river flows, would you bushwack from Black Pond to Lincoln Brook Trail? Or would it be easier to stay on established trails and cross the rivers?

 

[SherpaKroto]

On my most recent trip out there in August, I did a loop with Alpinista: in via Black Pond, out on the trails. A real fun day. One advantage of doing it this way is that you get to see the easiest of the crossings and can then decide if you want to do the tougher ones on the return, or just return via Black Pond (which is tougher to find on the return - something to consider with the shorter days)

 

[Jim lombard]

I wonder if all the leaves being down this would be more difficult. No snow at that elevation to find your way back either. I wouldn't do it but my map and compass skills need some work. It's been a pretty dry November and I can't imagine the crossings would be that bad.

 

[bobandgeri]

When we did Owl's head we did the bushwack via Black Pond. After hitting the trail again a hiker caught up to us from behind - he had start over 30 minutes ahead of us and was a faster hiker, so it clearly saved time. We did the bushwack on the way back as well.

 

[Frodo]

My personal opinion on this is that I do the Black Pond BW in Winter and Spring, but take the Franconia Brook/Lincoln Brook Trails in Summer and Fall. You certainly save distance and avoid doing 2 water crossings by doing the BW, but if the crossings are low and the trails are not covered in snow, taking the trails is faster. Right now we are in a borderline time of year, but I would still pass on the BW and take the trails. The water crossings are low, and the trails are mostly snow free all the way to the slide.

Regardless of the route, have a fun one!

 

[askus3]

I did the bushwack via Black Pond on the way in and the route Stinkyfeet described on the way out. By doing it this way, you get to see two scenic attractions in the area (Black Pond & Franconia Falls) rather than sticking to the conventional trails. Also, you avoid a couple of river crossings and if you go in the spring and want a river crossing jump into Franconia Brook at the falls, great swimming holes in the area. The falls breaks up a long monotonous, anti-climactic, drawn out retrace and adds a little interest as you try and figure out where the herd path is. But it steadily improves as you work your way closer to the falls (south at this point-just keep the river to your left). The route is also shorter and when you hike 18 miles, a few steps less is welcome. It is not bad walking.