Outdoor Diversion: The First Sign of Winter on Owl's Head

Summits: Owl's Head (4,025')
Trail route: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Black Pond Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Slide ascent, Brutus Bushwhack descent
Trail conditions: Very wet trails with lots of mud and water
Weather: Cloud cover with cool temps, rain and snow
Total miles: 18
Total time: 9:30

Not an ideal day for hiking but four of us were willing to go for a long hike. I would be joining Guy, Jill, and Larry for a hike to Owl's Head. This is one of the longest hikes on the list of 48 4,000 footers. We didn't let the threat of rain and snow stop us. There was a slight concern for the numerous water crossings that might be high, but that also didn't stop us. We were not exactly sure of our hiking route as there are some bushwhacking options. The decision would be made as we got into the hike.

I arrived at the Lincoln Woods parking area and it was already filling up quickly. Guy was already there, both Jill and Larry arrived shortly after I did. We geared up and were soon on our way. There was a sign warning of bear activity in the area as we left the parking lot. While walking across the suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River I noticed that the water was up slightly from recent rain. On the other side of the bridge there was another sign warning of bear activity. We kept going.

After 2.4 miles we reached the Black Pond Trail and it was decision time. A brief discussion about which way to go and we decided to take the Black Pond bushwhack. Another mile and we reached Black Pond and the beginning of the bushwhack. Guy led the way with his GPS track and I also had one that I kept checking. It was a fairly easy path to follow and only once did we veer slightly off but quickly got back on track.

By taking the bushwhack we avoided two water crossings that can be quite challenging at times. I had brought water shoes anticipating maybe having to wade across but didn't need them today. We reached the Lincoln Brook Trail on the right side of the trail not having to cross the water. We met two hikers that had just come across having to hike upstream before finding a way without getting wet. There were more water crossings but we all managed to cross with dry feet.

After almost eight miles we came to the slide that starts the steep climb to the summit. There was another bear sign warning hikers to not leave their backpacks behind as some do when climbing up to the summit and back down. We began the steep climb that was a little more challenging today. Besides the normal very loose rocks there was also wet, slippery ledges to ascend with running water in some sections. It was also during this climb up the slide that the light rain was turning to snow. Looking over toward the Franconia ridge line that was covered in clouds we could barely make out a good coating of snow on the Lincoln slide.

As we got up to the ridge the trees were covered with a coating of snow. there was no accumulating snow on the trail. We reached the summit and had it to ourselves. It was definitely time for lunch. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Gatorade hit the spot. It was getting cold so we were ready to get moving again. We started our nine miles back to the parking lot. Going down we took the Brutus bushwhack and stayed off the slide. While this was much easier it was still a slipping hazard on the wet leaves over slippery roots and rocks. We all took a turn at falling today.

Back on the Lincoln Brook Trail we headed back down to the Black Pond bushwhack. I was actually glad to get off the main trail as it was much wetter with more slippery rocks and mud. That's not to say that it wasn't wet and muddy on the bushwhack but much less so. This is actually where I slipped on wet leaves covering a wet ledge and fell hard. I picked myself back up and kept going glad for no broken bones.

When we reached Black Pond there was a steady rain falling but it didn't last long. It was one mile back to the Lincoln Woods Trail then a very long 2.4 miles back to the parking lot on sore feet and ankles. There were lots of tourists walking along this trail as it is very popular this time of year. When we reached the suspension bridge it was almost impossible to cut through the crowd that just stood there while we tried to get through. We returned to a very full parking lot.

I've hiked to this summit solo in the past but it's always nice to hike with others on this long hike to Owl's Head. It was also my first time taking the bushwhacks and I was surprised to find them easier than expected. Thanks to Guy, Jill and Larry for an awesome hike today!

Enjoy the photos!