Summit: Owl's Head (4,025')
Trail route: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Black Pond Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Brutus Bushwhack, Owl's Head Trail
Trail conditions: Mostly dry with a few wet/muddy sections, water levels low
Weather: Cool start then warm with sunshine
Total miles: 16
Total time: 7:28
Owl's Head was the last 48 4,000 footer that I needed to grid out the month of June. I was looking for a good weather day for this long hike and after watching the forecast this week today was looking great.
I got an early start and saw the almost full moon dip down behind a ridge on my drive to the trailhead. When I arrived at Lincoln Woods at 5:30 AM I was surprised to see the parking lot almost full. It was a cool start and I was soon on my way.
As early as it was I was still seeing other hikers along the Lincoln Woods Trail. After turning off onto the Black Pond Trail it would be a few more miles before I saw any other hikers. The Black Pond bushwhack has turned into a well worn trail that was easy to follow. The water crossings on the Lincoln Brook Trail were not an issue since the water levels are very low right now due to lack of rain.
My planned route was to go up and down the Brutus bushwhack and avoid the slide. I have experienced the slide several times and while the Brutus bushwhack is also steep it doesn't slide when walking up and down it.
I arrived at the summit and spent a few minutes there by myself. With clear, cool, crisp weather I was able to set a good pace and it was the fastest time I have ever made it to the summit at 3 hours and 50 minutes. With no views I didn't stay long and was soon starting my return trip to the trailhead.
On the way back I saw a few more hikers. It was warming up but I was able to keep a good pace going. I followed the same route back and after 7 hours and 28 minutes since starting my hike I arrived back at the parking lot. By now there was no available parking. Several vehicles stopped and asked if I would be leaving soon..."no" was my answer.
This was my 8th time to the summit of Owl's Head and I was grateful for the spectacular weather that made this long hike a little more enjoyable. With hot and humid weather on the way I was glad to get this hike done today. I have now done all 48 4,000 footers in the month of June!
Enjoy the photos!
Moon setting as I drive to the trailhead
The hike starts here
Looking down the East Branch of the Pemigewasset
This hiker up ahead passed me on the way to a Pemi loop
Low water
Reflection
A mist covered Black Pond
A right turn here onto the Black Pond bushwhack
One of many water crossings on this hike
Mushrooms are emerging
Lincoln Brook
The Brutus bushwhack starts here
Turn right at the split rock to continue up
Partial view on the Owl's Head ridge
Owl's Head summit stick
My 8th time to this summit
A summit view
Blue bead lily
A photo does not show the steepness of the Brutus bushwhack
Back at the Lincoln Brook Trail
Returning over the same water crossings
...another water crossing
Small waterfall
Large area of mud to get through on the Black Pond bushwhack
Mushrooms are out
Passing by Black Pond again
Lincoln Woods Trail
It was a day of blue sky and comfortable temps
Back at the suspension bridge after 16 miles
Crossing the East Branch of the Pemigewasset
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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