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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks North Hancock, South Hancock, NH
Trails
Trails: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Monday, November 11, 2019
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Plenty of room this morning. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook crossings are open but hoppable on dry/wet rocks. Upper minor crossings are starting to ice up. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: I recollect three blowdowns on Hancock Notch, including an annoying one that you have to straddle. There are about a dozen blowdowns between the peaks, plus many leaners, that could make navigation tricky this winter. Unmitigated erosion continues throughout, even with the ground frost setting in. The main Cedar Brook Trail crossing needs attention, as the old path and new path are partially bushed in and now herd paths are going between the two; if this is not remedied and the tree rootballs are compromised, the paths may eventually merge, resulting in a 15 foot wide gully. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Hancock Notch Trail had a dusting of snow and occasional small patches of ice (either from water flow or from refrozen slush). I was able to bareboot without issue.

Cedar Brook Trail had a dusting as well, but not too much ice. Water flowing in the normal places. I was able to bareboot without issue.

The Hancock Loop Trail had a dusting up to the first water crossing, then soon transitioned to an inch deep up to the split. There were a few flattish stretches of blue ice that I was able to bareboot with care, but spikes would be good too.

The ascent up north and descent off south was mostly a mix of an inch of snow and the loose dirt/rock from the active erosion. I saw very little ice and never considered putting on my spikes.

Between the peaks is filling in nicely with a couple inches of snow. If we get half a foot or more from this storm, this could be snowshoeable.

Cloudy morning, but no precip or wind. Occasional fog on the summits, but otherwise decent views. The masses weren't out, so it was nice and quiet.  
Name
Name: rocket21 
E-Mail
E-Mail: rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2019-11-11 
Link
Link: https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos 
Bookmark and Share 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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