| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Hancock and South Hancock, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, October 2, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There were about 5 cars in the lot when I arrived at 7:45am. When I finished the leaf peepers had descended and the parking lot was a zoo. Cars everywhere and people still pulling into the lot. Watch out for people just wandering around the parking lot as you try to drive out. Then the conga line on the Kanc started. I kid you not, they drove 25mph all the way. Allow an extra 3 days to get to your trailhead. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All easy rock hops. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few stepover blowdowns along the way. Lower down on the Hancock Loop trail is a spiky blowdown which requires some care to get over without getting attacked. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
It was a pleasure to see Frankie on the trail with BOR today. She's an exceptionally skilled trail pupper so she holds her own easily. Some less experienced doggos may need a hand on the steeps but most will find their own way up and down. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not an issue today and no hornets. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing lost and nothing found. |
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 | Comments: |
This was a pivot from Carrigain because Luke has to do work stuff. It was a good call. I knew there would be rain coming but everything was already wet so it made no difference. Down the low the footing is easy so the wet trail and leaf litter are not an issue but the mud pits are something else right now. None of it is supportive. Higher up there are sections with some deeper wet leaves on top of wet rock so just watch where you put your feet. Headed up North Hancock the footing was really not too bad or maybe I have just done these so many times now that it doesn't bother me? The ridge walk is so nice. There is some mud up there too but it was most supportive. The descent off South Hancock is a little more challenging than usual. The leaves seem to be deeper on that side but most of the larger and most stable rocks are still able to be seen so I aimed mostly to step on those and made it down just fine. I was happy to get these checked off for October G2 and SSF. It rained for a good portion of the walk out but it was so pretty and sounded peaceful. I had a great morning! Shout out to the nice couple from NY. It was great chatting with you and I hope the rest of your weekend is great. |
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 | Name: |
Uki |
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 | E-Mail: |
ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-02 |
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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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