| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
North Hancock, South Hancock, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 19, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All very easy rock/snow bridge stepping. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
My dog did fine. It was very cold with a snow type that consolidates in her doodle fur, so her snowsuit coverage and booties were helpful. She'd otherwise have become a deal breaking snowball. When we were descending from South Hancock, she seemed to discover that she very much enjoys skiing. I was not having the same experience. |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
One blue Black Diamond pole, and one pair of yellow and black gloves, found descending the steep section from South Hancock. Placed at trailhead. |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
The stem of this lollipop hike was very enjoyable, as usual. Well packed lower trail fit for microspikes. There were a few side postholes but nothing remarkable. The clockwise ascent up to North Hancock was steep but powdery. It's here that snowshoes became a need. The ridge was a mix of well packed and unconsolidated powder- snowshoes are a big recommendation. Between this and the ascent, well worth the carry to get there. Descending from South Hancock is a butt sliding luge. It's icy in spots and I imagine becoming more so every day until weather changes. With significant traction, the ice seems easier to walk down than the thin patches of steep, loose powder also present. Bring your crampons if you have them- it's no joke. Snowshoes with excellent traction could do the job, too. It's tricky either way. If butt sliding, it'd be tempting to keep traction on to stop yourself, but you could easily end up in your own traction. It'd be very hard to stop in some places. I personally prefer not ascending this route even if descending it is so challenging, just because of the risk of being hit by butt sledders. Be careful, whatever you choose. |
|
 | Name: |
Mjo |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-20 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
