| 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: |
Friday, May 31, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Park at the hairpin turn lot off the Kancamagus. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All brooks crossed on rocks with some slightly underwater |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail in good condition. No obstructions. Some downed trees on or near the ground or high overhead. Some erosion on the steep grades.
Many trail improvements over the years has made this a more delightful hike.
Thanks to the trail maintainer for keeping the ridge trail open despite the frequent blowdowns. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Met one good dog today. |
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 | Bugs: |
The only bugs I saw were swarms of gnats on the ridge, but they were not bothersome. Otherwise, no bugs. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
There are standing/running water in spots on both the Hancock Notch and Hancock Loop trails. However, there are plenty of rocks and routes to step on in these wet spots.
Ascended to North Hancock and descended South Hancock. There is a bit of loose rock near the top of the steep section up to North Hancock. There is more widespread loose rock on the South Hancock section of the loop trail although the footing seems better than many years ago. Careful foot placement on embedded large rocks permits safe passage.
I enjoyed walking on the ridge trail in the spruce/fir new growth stretch.
Good views at both summits and in spots along the ridge walk.
Lots of Painted Trillium along the trails. Rhodora in bloom at the North Branch crossing on the Cedar Brook Trail. There is also a tamarack (larch) in this spot that has golden needles in the Fall.
Met many hikers from South Portland, ME, Manchester NH, Concord MA, and Colorado.
Gray Jays at the summits. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-05-31 |
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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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