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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks North Hancock, South Hancock, NH
Trails
Trails: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail, East Side Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, August 23, 2015
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: I got there when there were a few cars from overnighters. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Significant 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Rock hops. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: All signs in place. The usual routes to the Hancocks were clear of blowdown. The north link and upper part of the south link are even more eroded/eroding than I remembered. Wow. Cedar Brook in contrast, was overall a delight after an iffy stretch. Yep, it has some issues in the upper sections, with a few nasty mud pits, some rocky brook pieces and slick rocks but once out of them it is mostly a splendid woods path,fun and easy walking. It is very easy to follow. It has a few blowdowns on the Kanc side of the height of land, and 4 or 5 more on the East Pemi side. These are easy step overs for hikers, but skiers would be stopped by them, and this looks like a great ski path. My trail memory isn't always precise, but there used to be way more blowdown and debris on this trail. It has received some tender loving care. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Pretty good trails for Pepper. There isn't water on the loop for sip n dips, but it wasn't hot today and the stretch isn't long. There are plenty of streams/drainages on the other trails; great sip n dips. 
Bugs
Bugs: No problems 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Pepper and I are more redliners than 4K hikers on weekends now, at least in non-winter times. Today was a perfect example why. We rushed the Hancock section to beat the crowds. Cedar Brook was a more leisurely walk in the quiet woods. Hancock south and north links are so badly eroded, worse than the usual 4K erosion, and other parts show the inevitable wear of so many boots. Cedar Brook is a typical redline trail, with some quirky problem spots mixed in with an overall wonderful footbed, nice woods, and small streams for sip n dips. We started down the East Side but it was too late to go far. Thanks Pepper for another great hike.  
Name
Name: Pepper and Me 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2015-08-23 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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