North Hancock, South Hancock - Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail - 1-3-2022

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North Hancock, South Hancock, NH

	Trails:	Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

	Date of Hike:	Monday, January 3, 2022

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Lot full @10:30

	Surface Conditions:	Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail

	Recommended Equipment:	Light Traction, Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	All the minor streams were unbridged rock hops. The 2 major crossings were half bridged

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Couple blowdowns to cleanup on each trail

	Dog-Related Notes:	N/A

	Bugs:	N/A

	Lost and Found:	N/A


	Comments:	Trails were in good shape considering the sloppy weekend weather. Mostly well packed firm snow with patches of grippy blue ice on the steep sections on the Hancock Loop Tr. Brought crampons, but they got a free ride and wore hillsound spikes the entire day which was doable but required good footwork going up North and down South. Would strongly recommend going clockwise on the loop as the section from the junction to north peak is challenging up and very sketchy for descent as I saw people with crampons and ice axes going down. Lots of serious ice on this side and many exposed rocks and roots. Ridge is in good shape and well packed snow. The section from the south peak to the junction was challenging down and woulda been a very straightforward up. Lots of moves and trees were required to utilize the footholds within the trail and avoid patches of thick blue ice. Trail is mostly a sidewalk with many sections of short random postholes and divots on flats, steeps, and all 3 trails

	Name:	Heat Lightning

	E-Mail:	ecs@mountainlogworks.com

	Date Submitted:	2022-01-03

	Link:	https://
		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.