Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
South Hancock, North Hancock, NH |
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| Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 13, 2012 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Not bad, but some of the rocks had glaze ice so step carefully this time of year. I find stepping on the submerged ones avoids ice |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Cold start and stayed in the twenties throughout most of the hike. Great to see a touch of winter back in the mountains. Areas on Hancock Notch Trail and Cedar Brook that were wet had black ice, though easily avoidable, and some black ice on stream crossing. South Hancock branch had half an inch of snow on trail and all trees, some avoidable ice. The North Hancock branch was the opposite because of the south sun exposure, no snow or ice of significance, mostly summer conditions. It seems early in the season on a day like today, going up South Hancock first would be best to ascend first.
Carried but did not use microspikes, still glad I had them though. I was also glad I wore my base layer tights under summer nylon zip hiking pants and switched from trail runners to my winter boots. My boot laces froze solid after getting them wet. The days for runners and five fingers are over, unless you want to be calling vibram next year for some custom "two toes."
Chatted with a lot of great people. Also was puzzled by a few groups in jeans and no packs heading up at 1pm.
Great day in the mountains! |
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| Name: |
John in NH |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-10-13 |
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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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