| 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 30, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot at the hairpin curve on the Kancamagus Highway is shared with tourists. The lot can fill up fast on good weekend days. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The two crossings of the North Fork of the Hancock Branch were on rocks either above the surface or just below the water line. Not difficult. All other brook crossings are even easier. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One treefall on the Cedar Brook Trail in the relocated section. Evergreen about 3 feet above surface. Duck under.
Three evergreens across the Hancock Loop Trail on the ridge about 4 feet above the path. One evergreen across the Hancock Loop Trail on the ridge that is a stepover.
One small evergreen down on the Hancock Loop Trail between South Hancock to the junction. Easy to get over.
The top of the steep section up to Hancock is eroding. Some of the log retainers are displaced or undercut so as to be ineffective in erosion control.
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Saw three dogs today. |
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 | Bugs: |
None! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is a fairly easy hike except for the ascent/descent to/from the ridge. There are loose rocks on these steep sections requiring diligence in foot placement.
All surfaces were wet. Most of the distance was damp ground. However, there were mud and running water on the trails in places. The worst mud is on the Cedar Brook Trail on the relocated path just before it arrives back at the original trail just before crossing the North Fork of the Hancock Branch. The steep approaches to the ridge on the Hancock Loop Trail had no standing or running water. There was one small patch of snow on the ridge partially on a bog bridge. Easy to avoid.
The Rhodora just beyond the North Fork crossing on the Cedar Brook Trail were showing a bit of color but are not totally in bloom. Lots of Painted Trillium flowers.
Many hikers out today. Most, if not all, were hiking the Hancock Loop in a clockwise direction. Nice chatting with Cliff from N Andover MA and John who is soon to graduate from Dartmouth.
Views of other peaks under the clouds from both summit outlooks and various points on the ridge. It appeared Mt Washington was in the clouds. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-05-30 |
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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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