| 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: |
Sunday, June 11, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The parking lot adjacent to the hairpin curve on the Kancamagus Highway (route 112) usually fills up quickly on nice weekend days. The lot was around half full when I arrived just after 7:00AM. Some vehicles parked on the side of route 112. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings of the North Fork on the Cedar Brook and Hancock Loop trails were easy rock hops. The water levels are low. All other water crossings were easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There were many tree falls across the trails. However, none of these were difficult to get by. Most were easy step overs. The tree falls down low were birches about 3" to 6" diameter about a foot or lower above the ground. At higher elevation the tree falls were softwood.
The bog bridges installed on the ridge section of the Loop trail have effective eliminated trail widening and mud by-pass paths.
The steep sections of the Hancock Loop trail could use rock steps to curtail erosion and improve footing. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Saw dogs hiking today. |
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 | Bugs: |
Some bugs but not too bad. The worst were at the outlook ledges when I was not in motion. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I brought out a white towel and left at the kiosk near the trailhead. |
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 | Comments: |
The hike is very easy on the Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook trails.
The hike on the Hancock Loop trail up to the junction is moderate/easy. The hikes up/down to/from the ridge are steep with spots with loose rocks and some erosion. The best bet is to use the larger stationery rocks to ensure secure footing. In some places there are rock steps that are helpful in steep sections. The hike on the ridge between the two Hancock peaks is pleasant although it is prone to tree falls (not a problem today).
Nice views of the Sandwich range from the outlook rock on a short side path on Mt Hancock. Good view of Mt Carrigain from South Hancock's outlook on a short side path. The Franconia Range can be seen from the ridge in places with thinned woods (the Lincoln Slide is a prominent landmark). The Arrow Slide on Mt Hancock is readily seen from the Loop trail section on South Hancock.
Saw the last of the Hobblebush down low. Lots of Painted Trillium in the midsection of the hike. Lots of vibrant Rhodora near the North Fork crossing on the Cedar Brook Trail. Gray Jays at the viewpoints.
Many hikers out today including two woman from Newbury NH who were on the first 4K for this season. A hiker from Pembroke MA ascended via the Arrow Slide and a bushwhack. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-06-11 |
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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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