| 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, January 17, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Ok, so this is apparently my new pet peeve. I parked in the last open spot but I had to park on an embankment. However it didn't need to be this way. There were gaps between cars that were between 3 and 5 feet wide, just narrow enough that no car could fit. The lot absolutely could've fit 3 more cars if people parked respectfully. And the cars definitely parked this morning as they hadn't accumulated any snow. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Smaller crossings are still unfrozen but the crossing closest to the splitting of the loop trail has a solid enough ice bridge |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few blowdowns that require crawling between the two peaks |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a dog on Hancock notch trail, it looked like it was having fun. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Stunning day today. Light snow all day, only added and inch or two lower on the trail but there were at least 4 inches of fresh powder near the peaks. The powder on the recently melted then refrozen surface made for some slick spots. Microspikes were the call until Hancock loop trail then I switched to snowshoes. Once the loop trail splits then snowshoes are definitely needed. The trail is narrow between the peaks, so be careful with footing. And the blowdowns aren't too bad,they're easy to avoid or crawl under. I took the clockwise route, the luge track down from South Hancock is very well established and I personally wouldn't want to go up it (major props to the two guys I ran into who ascended that way). The ascent up North Hancock was solid but the powder made it a bit slippery, I'd definitely shoe it. No views but it was an absolute winter wonderland out there today. |
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 | Name: |
Solo |
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 | E-Mail: |
throwawaythekeyset@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-01-17 |
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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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