| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Hancock, South Hancock, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at Hancock trailhead parking. The lot may fill quickly on weekends during foliage season. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All water crossings were easy rock hops. The relocation of the Cedar Brook Trail has eliminated many stream crossings. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition except the upper section of the Hancock Loop Trail up to South Hancock where there are loose rocks making for tricky footing. No obstructions on the trails. No extensive areas of mud that are not spanned by bog bridges. The worst spot was near the crossing of North Fork on the Cedar Brook Trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs will need to be comfortable on steep loose rock surfaces. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The trails to the Hancocks have improved markedly over the past several years. The Cedar Brook Trail was relocated away from the North Fork to avoid erosion from bank overflow as tropical storm Irene tore up the old route. A section on the lower part of the Hancock Loop Trail had a build up of the pathway and water bars which remedied the mud problem in this area. Rocks steps are in place to improve the footing up Hancock. Bog bridges installed in mud areas on the Hancock Ridge has stopped the ad hoc by-pass paths. The upper part of the Hancock Loop Trail still needs work to improve footing and stop erosion.
The foliage looks great along the North Fork as there are many vibrantly colored maple trees. The larch trees near the brook crossing on the Cedar Brook Trail have not turned to golden needles yet.
Good views from both Hancock and South Hancock. At the South Hancock viewpoint you can even see Mt Washington and Boott Spur between the trees if you stand near the edge of the ledge (don't fall off!). Lots of red foliage can be viewed down in Sawyer River Valley. At South Hancock there is a side path perpendicular to the Loop Trail which permits views to the Franconia Ridge.
Gray Jays were at Hancock. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-09-13 |
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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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