| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Hancock, North Hancock, Mt. Carrigain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail, bushwhack, Desolation Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, Wilderness Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, May 23, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water, water everywhere. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some blowdowns on Desolation trail above 3500’, lots of blowdowns on Wilderness trail and Cedar Brook trail north of Hancock loop |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
No bugs yet! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
What a day! So wet all day. Did not see another soul.
Had a goal to check out a bushwhack from Hancock to Carrigan. Could not have picked a worse day. Fresh 6-8” of snow above 3000’ and rain below that.
Started off with loads of standing and flowing water in the trail on Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook. Turned to snow, with ever-increasing accumulation above the north/south trail junction. Active snow, bagged both summits and chose my descent path bushwhacking northeast from the saddle between the Hancocks. Very messy descent, lots of blowdowns, fresh snow obscured all attempts at careful descent. Eventually found the drainage I planned on using, but….turns out it was a raging torrent. Continued down on the planned route for the 4miles until eventually turning east to find desolation trail. Very, very dense forest (I recommend not attempting unless you are very comfortable with suffering, maintain a safety threshold, and even then maybe just don’t do this)
Desolation trail had evidence of moose every couple hundred feet until the snow again obscured the trail. Super slick between the snow, rocks underneath, and navigating blowdowns. Snapped a trekking pole on the way back down after bagging the summit. Genuinely understand why I haven’t used this trail in the past.
Wilderness trail was delightful, two water crossings required wading due to all the rain lately, they were cold but not dangerous. Many blowdowns but all easily navigated. Was tentatively planning on adding Owls head to the day, but based on the lost time due to snow and dinner plan I decided to turn south and take Cedar Brook back to the car. Neat seeing all the evidence of old logging/rail camps. Cedar Brook trail was great until 2500” then it became more of a drenched stream bed, very wet, standing and running water in the trail.
I was glad to see the Hancock loop trail sign and know the car was only a few miles away. Felt good to peel off soaked layers and take a long warm shower. |
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 | Name: |
Ladd |
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 | E-Mail: |
ladd40climb@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-05-24 |
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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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