| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Hancock, South Hancock, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 15, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Excellent shape. 3 cars plus me at 7:30AM. 17 deg F/clear/calm |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings low water, minimal ice and easy. One crossing of note was 2nd on Hancock Loop. Lots of thick unstable ice. Not bad if care is taken. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Good shape. Few down trees heading to South Hancock from North Hancock but easily negotiated. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs would have no problems on these trails right now, although I didn't see any today. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Surprisingly good trail conditions today. I wore microspikes but I think the entire loop could have been done without traction.
HANCOCK NOTCH TRAIL> 1-3" of heavily compacted snow with minimal ice. Very easy walking_____
CEDAR BROOK TRAIL>Little more ice here but basically compacted snow. The only tricky area was the section from the 2nd-4th brook crossings. Yellow blazes were very weathered and spread out. Without footprints in the snow to follow this area could be a little confusing to navigate. All the river crossings were easy although some of the mud sections thawed a bit for the return trip_____
HANCOCK LOOP TRAIL>The 2nd river crossing had very thick, unstable ice and hollow spots and care had to be taken but not bad. I took the North summit first and the climb up had excellent footing. Mostly compacted snow and even bare spots at top and some black ice in the shade. From North to South summit was again compacted snow and easy. One section of ice in the low spot right before climb to South summit. Descent to split was mostly compacted snow and some ice which could be easily avoided walking in trees on sides. Trails were in great shape today. 6 hr and 8 min for entire hike counting all my stops. |
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 | Name: |
DayTrip |
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 | E-Mail: |
bblanchette0709@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-12-16 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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