North Hancock and South Hancock - Hancock Notch trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail - 8-5-2026

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	North Hancock and South Hancock, NH

	Trails:	Hancock Notch trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

	Date of Hike:	Wednesday, August 5, 2026

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	There were 5 cars in the lot when I arrived a little after 7am. The lot was fuller when I finished but there was still room for a few more cars.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	All easy rock hops today.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	There is a step over on the Hancock Notch trail and the Cedar Brook trail. Huge thanks to whoever sawed the big double blowdown on the Hancock Loop trail. No gymnastics today!

	Dog-Related Notes:	No puppers today. Most dogs will not have any issues with this route. There is little water available once you get higher up on the Cedar Brook trail.

	Bugs:	There were a few being annoying at the summit of South Hancock but really weren't much of a bother overall.

	Lost and Found:	Nothing lost and nothing found


	Comments:	I tried to start relatively early to beat the heat and did pretty well. The Hancock Notch trail had some areas of wet trail and some pretty impressive mud in the usual spots. There are limbs to keep you out of most of it. It is not currently supportive. Please don't ask how I know. The waterfall area on the Cedar Brook trail was super easy today with only a few wet rocks that I needed to step on. The steep climb up North Hancock wasn't too bad - the dampness of the trail actually helped with footing. The ridge walk was lovely as usual and the steep descent off South Hancock went by quickly today which was nice. I saw a handful of other happy hikers out today enjoying the lovely clear skies.

	Name:	Uki

	E-Mail:	ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com

	Date Submitted:	2026-08-05

	Link:	https://
		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.