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About


The Bulge, Mt. Cabot, The Horn
Stark, NH, Kilkenny, NH

Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Unknown Pond Trail
Looking up the Unknown Pond Trail

Route: Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (The Bulge), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (Mt. Cabot), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, (The Bulge), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, spur trail, (The Horn), Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Unknown Pond Trail

With a beautiful fall forecast, I decided to take a few comp hours at work and head way north. Arriving at the Mill Brook Unknown Pond Trail trailhead, I was happy to see all sorts of pre-peak fall colors.

While the flats were muddy, the balance of the Unknown Pond Trail was in good shape - and quite colorful. Since I wanted to get the balance of the hiking done prior to taking a break, I skipped the Horn on the ascent and went straight to the viewless Bulge. From there, I continued to Mt. Cabot. After reaching the highpoint, I headed over to the blowdown patch and did some exploring, finding various versions of the vista.

Back on the trail, I worked my way over the Bulge again, as I noticed the temperature dropping. Reaching the summit of the Horn, I had great views. I did some additional herdpath following near the summit, hoping to find perhaps some more vistas. I didn't explore too long, but I do suspect there might be something overlooking Unknown Pond. Perhaps another time.

Since it wasn't quite moose time, I didn't spend much time at Unknown Pond - had it been a bit later, perhaps I would have gone to the various viewpoints to see if any moose were hanging out. Instead, I reached the trailhead prior to sunset - nice to not need the handlamp!


Hike Ratings
Getting To Trailhead: Easy
Destination: The Bulge
Length: Moderate
Steepness: Difficult
Navigation: Easy
Views: Minimal
Crowds: Minimal
Destination: Mt. Cabot
Length: Moderate
Steepness: Difficult
Navigation: Easy
Views: Excellent
Crowds: Minimal
Destination: The Horn
Length: Moderate
Steepness: Very Difficult
Navigation: Easy
Views: Excellent
Crowds: Minimal


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Thursday, September 24, 2009
Hike Commenced: 1:14 PM
Parking Elevation: 1,755'
Destination: The Bulge
Ascent Commenced: 1:14 PM
Summit Reached: 3:01 PM
Time Elapsed: 01:47
Trailhead Elevation: 1,755'
Summit Elevation: 3,950'
Vertical Gain: 2,425'
Destination: Mt. Cabot
Ascent Commenced: 3:02 PM
Summit Reached: 3:27 PM
Time Elapsed: 00:25
Trailhead Elevation: 1,770'
Summit Elevation: 4,170'
Vertical Gain: 485'
Destination: The Bulge
Ascent Commenced: 3:34 PM
Summit Reached: 4:01 PM
Time Elapsed: 00:27
Trailhead Elevation: 4,170'
Summit Elevation: 3,950'
Vertical Gain: 265'
Destination: The Horn
Ascent Commenced: 4:01 PM
Summit Reached: 4:19 PM
Time Elapsed: 00:18
Trailhead Elevation: 3,950'
Summit Elevation: 3,905'
Vertical Gain: 255'
Hike Ended: 6:17 PM
Hike Time Elapsed: 05:03
Hike Distance: 10.6 miles
Hike Vertical Gain: 3,650'


The Unknown Pond Trail trailhead
The Unknown Pond Trail trailhead

The lack of views from the Bulge - Click to enlarge
The lack of views from the Bulge

The Kilkenny Ridge Trail to Mt. Cabot
The Kilkenny Ridge Trail to Mt. Cabot

Looking at the Franconia Ridge from near the summit of Mt. Cabot - Click to enlarge
Looking at the Franconia Ridge from near the summit of Mt. Cabot

The spur trail to the Horn
The spur trail to the Horn

The Mahoosucs as seen from the Horn - Click to enlarge
The Mahoosucs as seen from the Horn

Topographic map of The Bulge, Mt. Cabot, The Horn - Click to enlarge


Directions to trailhead: Take 110 West from Berlin to Stark. Take a left onto Mill Brook Road. The Unknown Pond Trail trailhead will eventually be on the left, just before the second one-lane bridge, with some room for roadside parking on either end of the bridge.

Back to The Bulge Profile
Back to Mt. Cabot Profile
Back to The Horn Profile




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