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: |
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No shortage of parking space today. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable) |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The four crossings on Cedar Brook, counting the one after one leaves Cedar Brook trail, are a challenge with the warm weather. I found easier crossings usually above the regular one by bushwhacking 100 to 200 feet along the banks. But still had to use rocks under the water. Old snowshoe tracks showed I wasn't the only one looking for better crossings. IMHO whoever laid out the trail tried to get as many crossings in as possible. It's fine in the summer not spring. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The many orange ribbons at the start of Cedar Brook's first crossings indicate there are some future improvements in the works. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw two Norfolk terriers on Hancock Notch trail; they did not hike beyond the jct. |
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 | Bugs: |
none |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found quite the treasures today: a toy carabiner, two tent stakes (near the first crossing on the Hancock Loop trail as I was looking for an easier crossing) A summer basket for a Leki pole, A special paper clip, and a plastic butt slide with only the handle sticking out of the snow between the two peaks, besides some trash. The plastic slide is in excellent (mint) conditions. Let me know the color and I'll send it to you.
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 | Comments: |
The trail report from Sunday by MadMattd, still holds true. I put on my spikes where the Hancock Loop trail ascends more steeply and kept them on until back at the same spot. The monorail was stable enough in the middle and in the shady places was quite hard. I did carry my snowshoes but I had started early enough to be back before 1pm. I would recommend heading up the north loop and come down from the South peak as there is more snow on it that would allow for better footing, that is, putting in your heels. I never punched through. Met two hikers looking at the first big crossing and helped them across. Hope they did alright on the others. |
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 | Name: |
Georg |
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 | E-Mail: |
georg3@comcast.net |
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 | Date Submitted: |
2015-05-05 |
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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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