As of right now there are two rock cairns (one on either side of the trail) where the path leaves the trail. There are blowdowns galore... Probably close to 75. Sometimes there are blowdowns on blowdowns on blowdowns creating a maze of downed trees. At the "true" summit there is a sign nailed to a tree that says Owls Head with a little drawing of an owl on it.
Any suggestions for places to camp along the route? With the distance being somewhere around 17-18 miles RT, was wondering if there are places to camp along the way. Thanks, Brian
The obvious established site would be Franconia Brook Tentsite, except that it's on the wrong side of the river. Wading not recommended in spring, fall, or winter or after heavy rain.
An interesting option is to make a complete loop around Owl's Head and spend the night at Thirteen Falls, a lovely place.
Since the route is along flat valley trails until you get to the slide, there are lots of inviting backcountry sites, though some restrictions to be aware of:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf
-No camping within 1/4 mile of the Pemi river, until Franconia Brook (then it's 200 ft)
-Must be 200 ft from Black Pond
-A couple of historical logging camps are marked with "no camping" signs.
But basically, anywhere along the Franconia Brook or Lincoln Brook trails is legal (if you go 200 ft off the trail), and it's not hard to find a good spot - open woods, mild slopes, streams.
dirth - Jul 18, 2008 4:12 am - Hasn't voted
Trail UpdateAs of right now there are two rock cairns (one on either side of the trail) where the path leaves the trail. There are blowdowns galore... Probably close to 75. Sometimes there are blowdowns on blowdowns on blowdowns creating a maze of downed trees. At the "true" summit there is a sign nailed to a tree that says Owls Head with a little drawing of an owl on it.
Brian Jenkins - Sep 26, 2013 2:24 am - Hasn't voted
Backwoods camping?Any suggestions for places to camp along the route? With the distance being somewhere around 17-18 miles RT, was wondering if there are places to camp along the way. Thanks, Brian
nartreb - Oct 8, 2013 10:59 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Backwoods camping?The obvious established site would be Franconia Brook Tentsite, except that it's on the wrong side of the river. Wading not recommended in spring, fall, or winter or after heavy rain.
An interesting option is to make a complete loop around Owl's Head and spend the night at Thirteen Falls, a lovely place.
Since the route is along flat valley trails until you get to the slide, there are lots of inviting backcountry sites, though some restrictions to be aware of:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf
-No camping within 1/4 mile of the Pemi river, until Franconia Brook (then it's 200 ft)
-Must be 200 ft from Black Pond
-A couple of historical logging camps are marked with "no camping" signs.
But basically, anywhere along the Franconia Brook or Lincoln Brook trails is legal (if you go 200 ft off the trail), and it's not hard to find a good spot - open woods, mild slopes, streams.
Brian Jenkins - Oct 15, 2013 9:24 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Backwoods camping?Great. Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Looking to tick the last few NH 4000ers off the list next summer.