Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop, Cedar Brook, Hancock Notch

Trail Conditions

Notes

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!

Parking

A few there early this morning, full by return. One or two in “overflow” area on road.

Water Crossings

All were rock hoppable and no ice present on any rocks this morning. Down low temperatures were a few degrees above freezing which helped.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

We started at around 8:30 up Cedar Brook. Nice dry trail with a few small muddy spots near the streams. Plenty of places to get water until you get to the loop. We went clockwise as others had recommended and it was STEEP with many loose rocks to navigate. Nice views from the overlooks. I was surprised to see many others doing this hike, so I guess it’s more popular than I expected. The descent down the south side was just as steep and tricky. My son broke one of his poles on the way down ☹️ Total was around 9.5 miles in 6:46 with moving time of 5:11.

Parking

Plenty of parking st the overlook. Upper lot was full at 8:15.

Water Crossings

All easy to rock hop.

Wildlife

Zero

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

Nice morning out. Water was flowing. Trail up to North Hancock has had some work done to it recently and made for a fun climb. A couple of blowdowns on the ridge that will need to sawed. One section had a double blowdown so prepare to do a little ninja warrior action. Going down South was pleasant and it appeared that some work had been done on that section as well.

Parking

Sunday morning tourist trap. Get there early and make sure you leave yourself with an exit strategy so you can get out before you are parked in.

Water Crossings

All water crossings were able to be rock-hopped. Take your time as some are slippery or just bull through. The choice is yours.

Wildlife

A few at the start, a few near the muddy sections on Cedar Brook. Swallowed a couple. Big spray seemed to help keep them from biting.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Perfect moist wet soggy Sunday for a little lap up these peaks. Stream crossings were very tame and the trail only really started puddling down low after it poured again early afternoon. Winds were mean at both summit outlooks and really made us grateful for not choosing to venture above treeline today, that would be absolutely miserable in todays conditions. We went up South and down North and passed a surprising number of people ascending as we descended. Curious to see how trails react to todays rain in the am tomorrow

Parking

Lot 1/2 full

Water Crossings

All rock hops

Wildlife

N/A yesssity yes

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock notch trl, cedar brook trl, Hancock loop trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment