| 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: |
Saturday, November 29, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
With the exception of the trickle of water in the brook at the base of the steeps to North Hancock (which is now bridged), all other water crossings are open and will not be bridged soon. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The leaners/blowdowns that have been between North and South Hancock for at least a year are still there. No new ones though. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Spikes door to door. I carried snowshoes but ditched them along Cedar Brook after a descending pair said they weren’t needed—and they were right. The trail starts off pretty bony, with hard-packed, crunchy snow. This more or less continues to North Hancock, at which point it becomes a tad more snowy and softer. There’s currently nowhere near enough snow even up high to use snowshoes. There’s too much rock sticking up. One good snowstorm will change that though.
The steeps up North are in stellar shape. There’s a great set of boot steps all the way up it, with zero ice. Spikes are ideal here. The steeps on South are a lot more icy, due to butt sledders. The ice is sporadic and very patchy, but I’d say most people will probably find it easier to go up South and down North rather than the more normal clockwise direction due to this ice. Crampons not needed (it’s nowhere near that level yet), but it’s enough to make you watch your footing.
Great day out there. Saw quite a few others also enjoying it. Winter Hancocks are so pretty. |
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 | Name: |
IanB |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-11-29 |
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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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