| 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, April 12, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues parking today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings hoppable with ease. Ice was present this morning and still spotty on rocks in PM, likely will change |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several large blowdowns along the ridge, 10"+ |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A FINE day in the forest was had. My favorite season for trip reports - it's basically every box. Generally exceptional conditions throughout, spotty mix of bare ground, rotting rail, and mud for the first mile. After this it firmed up to a stable monorail, and gave way to still full blown winter. Drag strip conditions this morning with the freezing temps. We opted to ascend North first, and given the current conditions, I would say this is the preferred method. There is a LOT of blue and black ice flows due to how the sun hits it. I had not the sharpest spikes, but not rock spikes, and was having to be careful or work on my Tarzan swinging from tree to tree moves. Ran into hiking royalty on the descent, both Melissa and Rachel where out for some gluttony as well. Was lovely to see them! Across the ridge was still quite firm with no issues. Descending South Hancock was better than expected, due to sun angle again (not as much). The vast majority has not turned to ice flows yet and had bite. Not a walk in the park, still a good puckerfest, but manageable. If you have K10's, I'd bring them, crampons for the ascent/descent would not be overkill either. No issues on the way out, but as typical, conditions changed. Noticeable melting and corn snow for the way out. Everything still rock solid. With temps predicted in the 60s/70s next week, the delight of April hiking will be in all its glory.... Only saw 5 others. Of the 9 out, 4 were grid finishers, and a pair of 366! |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat, Lil Squirt, Capt. Chris, Mistress Savage, Ken |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-04-12 |
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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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