| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Hancock, South Hancock, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of space at the overlook lot. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Drifts |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings are solidly bridged. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple of dignity-removing crawl-under blowdowns and several others between the peaks and on the Hancock Loop Trail. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Trails were generally well-packed styrofoam up to the fork on the Loop Trail. The ascent of North Link was primarily on firm snow with some drifting. Ridge Link had longer sections of drifting that required breaking out and frequent car wash shrubbery. South Link had seen butt-sliding but was fairly firm, not icy. We wore spikes up to the fork, then switched to snowshoes for traction/televators and wore them back around to the fork. From there, I barebooted out without issues while the others used spikes for the walk out.
Fun hike with Chris and Renee. Unexpectedly beautiful morning with sunlit, snow-covered trees and fine long views. |
|
 | Name: |
RickB. |
|
 | E-Mail: |
rickbb@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2026-01-21 |
|
 | 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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