| 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, October 31, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
A few there early this morning, full by return. One or two in “overflow” area on road. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All were rock hoppable and no ice present on any rocks this morning. Down low temperatures were a few degrees above freezing which helped. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Kudos to trail maintainers on Hancock Loop for the continued improvements. Hancock Notch has been improved as well. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This morning’s Halloween trail adventures start off with a brisk temperature that had me pack 25 layers but never used any of them! Very few leaves on trail downlow, which helped with the cruise through Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook. The climb up Hancock continues to get better and better with more steps seemingly appearing every time I do this. Some loose stuff in a few sections but it seems to help with the footing. A dusting of snow on the ridge across between Hancock, Middle and South but no ice to speak of. Wood plank bridges were frozen and required taking time to not burn out. Coming down South Hancock was a dream. Most of the loose areas seemed to be frozen, which held the steepness in check. I feel like there were a few new steps in here as well. Coming back to the intersection of the lollipop is where the true adventure began. Like a hand coming out of a grave, a root reached up out of nowhere and took ahold of my left foot. Now, I’m not a flexible human so what happened next can only be described as the most stretching I’ve ever done as my top half hit the ground and my feet hit the ground in front of my body in one hell of a yoga move. This set off the Garmin watch fall detector which I am still not sure how to shut off so it doesn’t call every emergency contact. My apologies to the people who either heard the yelling/swearing throughout the valley, as well as what can only be described as a dried fountain of blood to my knee and leg as ran back to the trailhead and parking lot.
Make sure you buy a hike safe card and carry supplies that can assist in a self-rescue situation!
All in all, great quick morning run/power hike/forced yoga session. No ice, very few leaves. Go get it! |
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 | Name: |
Scott |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-31 |
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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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