| 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 3, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
one spot left at 9:45am, just a few cars left at 3:30pm |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All doable with a rock hop or bridged |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few duck unders and a step over |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
saw 2 dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The first 4ish miles were pretty easy going with mirco spikes. Mostly packed snow with some frozen slush. We opted to go up North first, as suggested from a hiker we met at the junction of the loop. The ascent is a very steep, strenuous climb, but plenty of places to plant your feet and grab a hand hold. Some icy spots but easy enough to avoid most of it.
There were a couple gray jays hanging around the North lookout and two other hikers said they saw a pine marten poke its head out from under the rocks. We hung around for 10 minutes but did not see it.
The hike across the saddle was snow packed and made for fast moving. Heading down South was a different situation. What is normally a rock slide is now 90% snow packed with a few rocks exposed. This is a very steep section, smooth snow pack with some icy spots. Reminded me of a luge slide. Your toes will be pointing sharply down hill for nearly a half mile, while trying to break your forward momentum. I tried navigating from side to side, hugging trees as I went to make a good attempt at securing my micro spikes. I went off to the side a few times to find less challenging situations. This was the first time in 30 winter hikers where I wished I had more aggressive traction. Crampons would be a better choice. |
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 | Name: |
Diane Stuart |
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 | E-Mail: |
stucroftfarm@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-01-04 |
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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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