| 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: |
Wednesday, December 30, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I arrived at about 11am and there were probably close to a dozen cars there but there was still plenty of room to park. Only me and 2-3 others when I returned just shy of 4:30pm. The lot is mostly clear of snow/ice and any vehicle should be able to get in without a problem currently. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings on Hancock Notch Trail were all easily rock hopable. The crossings on Cedar Brook Trail and Hancock Loop Trail were more challenging. It took some looking around. If you follow the well established paths beaten in the snow, they will lead you to a spot that’s rock hopable on the crossing of the north fork for Cedar Brook Trail. The crossing of the north fork on Hancock Loop Trail may look even more daunting but if you follow the established path to the left (if ascending), one of them will bring you to a small branch that you can easily use to cross. These were the only two crossings that were tricky I think. Many of the rocks at the crossings have ice on them so another reason to have spikes with you! |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I remember seeing some yellow blaze in a beautiful spruce forest...so I think that must’ve been on Cedar Brook Trail?? Not sure the other trails were blazed but these sections of them are all well trodden and easy to follow. I don’t recall seeing any blowdowns but that doesn’t mean that there weren’t any ;P |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None seen but I heard that a group turned back earlier in the day due to concern over one of the crossings and their dogs. I think it was the one at the beginning of Hancock Loop Trail. I imagine some dogs would have trouble with how steep the climbs are to the main and south peaks. All the other trails would be well suited for dogs other than the water crossings. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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 | Comments: |
My last hike of the month in an attempt to grid out December. These were my 33rd and 34th 4000 footers this month and my 40th and 41st 4000 footers for the month of December. Unfortunately this month did not get gridded out due to poor weather for a presi traverse at the end of the month :(
It had been just over a year since I’d been on these peaks and it was nice to be back :) I’d forgotten how beautiful the spruce forests are here. Always my favorite!! I started the hike without spikes but I’d recommend putting them on at the car. Mix of frozen but dry ground and minimal snow/ice at the beginning of the trail with a spot or two of black ice which is why the microspikes will be helpful from the start. Snow was minimal most of the way and there wasn’t really any snowpack except at elevation between the two peaks.
There is ice on both of the very steep ascents to the peaks but more on the ascent to the south peak which is perhaps why more people than usual seemed to be heading up south peak first and going counter-clockwise unlike usual. I still went clockwise but would’ve reversed directions knowing that now. No one I saw used anything more than Hillsound spikes including myself but I almost put on crampons you go down from south peak knowing how steep it was and hearing that it was icier than they ascent to north. I managed but my spikes are very dull and definitely weren’t biting enough but I only took one fall. So while this hike can certainly be done in spikes, if yours are dull or you aren’t very sure footed, I’d recommend at least bringing the crampons.
Nice to meet who I think must’ve been fellow NETC poster Emily yesterday (didn’t realize you’d gone to the northwest peak...nice!) at the crossing on Cedar Brook Trail and Kyle and Emily, father and diagnosed, who’re working on their 48 together at the summit of south peak; great to meet you both and best of luck on your 48 :D |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-12-31 |
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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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