| 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: |
Monday, January 13, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Hancock Overlook just above the trailhead at the hairpin turn on NH 112. This lot is paved and plowed. There is parking for about 15 cars. There is also a pavilion and kiosk with excellent signage. This would have probably been pretty if the clouds weren’t in your face... |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water crossings are open with increased water levels. Exposed rocks were covered in ice making crossings, interesting. I was able to get across, with no trekking poles, and dry feet by choosing my route carefully. Once you pick your route, commit and go. Hesitation ends up in wet feet... |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are very few blowdowns, none of which obscure the trail. There are 3 yellow blazes on Hancock Notch Trail. Cedar Brook had more frequent, consistent yellow blazing. Very few yellow blazes on Hancock Loop Trail. All signs are in place, are legible, and far above the low snow pack. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One little dog out enjoying the mellow trails before the steep stuff. |
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 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Microspike on the sign at the start of Hancock Notch Trail. |
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 | Comments: |
Route:
Hancock Notch > Cedar Brook > Hancock Loop to the North peak then the South peak > Cedar Brook > Hancock Notch
As an avid, no, fanatic snowshoer, I tried snowshoes at the start of this hike. Total fail. This trail was hard packed from the freezing temps and litany of foot traffic over the weekend. I donned the microspikes and never took them off. This is apparently a popular trail and well travelled making for a quick hike in spikes.
Unfortunately, non-snowshoe fanatics traversed the trail in the warmer temps over the weekend. This made for posthole bombing everywhere. Most notably the section between the peaks (Hancock Loop) was an ankle-twisting nightmare.
Ice proved to be of little limitation. The sections of pure ice were short (2-3 feet long) and simple to ascend/descend in traction. If temps warm again, please wear snowshoes to smooth out the trail. Thanks! |
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 | Name: |
Remington34 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-01-13 |
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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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