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 Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Wilderness Trail, Desolation Trail, Signal Ridge Trail, Sawyer River Road, Sawyer River Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a great clockwise loop (including the Hancocks, Mt. Carrigain, and Hancock Notch) I had been contemplating in the past, but a desire to check out the eastern section of the Hancock Notch Trail before an upcoming trail race cemented it. Views were outstanding from the Carrigain observation deck on this mostly sunny (and relatively haze-free) day, but there were additional sights from the Hancock outlook spur, and numerous points along the Pemigewasset and Sawyer River, along with the opportunity to take in an abundance of untouched forest. Portions of the Cedar Brook Trail (especially near the height-of-land) and Hancock Notch Trail had poor footing, with short stretches of semi-avoidable standing water and mud pits, and seemingly all of the leftover rocks that the White Mountains had no alternate use for. However, the northern section of the Cedar Brook Trail, almost the entirety of the Wilderness Trail, and even long sections of the Hancock Notch Trail were very pleasant, dry and smooth logging roads. The least enjoyable portion of trail for the day was the North Link of the Hancock Loop Trail, and this won the award easily. It is excessively steep, eroded, and with an abundance of talus and loose gravel in areas where you need traction the most. I went counterclockwise over the Hancocks and descended this delightful section, but going up probably isn't much better- I envision lots of back-sliding and four-letter words. I saw a number of friendly hikers while descending Carrigain by Signal Ridge, and a few more on the Hancocks near the beginning of this journey, but also had about 20 miles of complete solitude. Overall, this was 34.2 miles and 7,700' elevation gain, in a surprisingly quick 11:36. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

Ample parking at the Hancock Overlook, both early in the morning and around 5:00 PM.

Water Crossings

Numerous crossings on this route, including a few major crossings of the Sawyer River and the Carrigain Branch (off the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River). Water levels were low to moderate, and while most of the crossings were stepovers or rock hops of variable difficulty, I definitely made my way into the water a few times. Some of the rocks were slippery or submerged, especially on the Cedar Brook Trail and Hancock Notch Trail. The water crossings within civilization (on the typically traveled route to the Hancocks) were easy.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes were annoying when stopped, even with repellent- probably because most of this route is so close to the water (or occasionally in it).

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Quite a few hikers seen today. Excellent trail work done recently! I just wanted to post a heads up about the sink hole that formed recently.

Parking

No problem

Water Crossings

More water than usual but no issues crossing, even after the rain this afternoon.

Wildlife

Surprisingly, nothing!

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, bushwhack, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The standard route for the Hancocks was in great shape and are very easy to follow. The steep ascent and descent on the loop are loose and gravelly, but with careful footing it is very manageable. East Hitchcock related notes: I was unable to find a herd path for East Hitchcock. However, the forest is not too difficult to navigate for much of the walk up from Cedar Brook trail. My approach was to go past the height of land (~3120ft) and down to about 2950ft, as I had read in past reports that there was a herd path there last year, I was hoping that the same would be true for this year. From this point of entry into the woods, I would be taking a more direct route up the steeper part of the east side of the mountain. Here, there are some rocky steep sections and there were heavily moss covered logs and rocks which covered holes in the ground and make the terrain unpredictable. The foliage in the section up to about 3270ft is relatively open, and the biggest challenge was finding a hole-free route up the steep and rocky terrain, but after that it was much denser and required a lot more maneuvering and creative route finding. One silver lining of this sub-optimal route was that I managed to pop out in a shrubby clearing with nice views over to the Hancocks, which added a nice view to the otherwise wooded summit. My route down from the summit was much better, as I took a route more to the south and finished closer to the height of land at around 3025ft. This route avoided most of the rocky terrain with unpredictable holes, was more gradual, and made for a smoother experience overall. The biggest challenge was navigating areas with a lot of Spruce and Hemlock saplings, as these areas were dense and it was hard to see the terrain I was stepping on. Today was a great day for a hike, and I was happy to get some grid progress and add a 5th month for the Hancocks!

Parking

Lot was unsurprisingly full when we arrived at 10:00, but there is a wide dirt area on the side of the road. The lot was about half full at 4:00 when we returned, but there were even more cars along the road.

Water Crossings

All were easily rock hopped

Wildlife

Not too bad, there were a lot of flies buzzing around but I didn't notice them biting at all.

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Hancock Loop

Trail Conditions

Notes

WARNING! You will get wet. Tough outing today trying to keep from getting wet. There was a lot of zigzaging across the trail looking for roots or rocks to keep out of the water. I had to shimmy along the edge of trail with my butt in the trees using my poles to keep from failing into some of the trail ponds.Some sections are very mucky and will pull a shoe off your foot. The gravel/ skree on the steeps are very wet and very loose. Other than a pretty good day. On a positive note there's lots of flowering and the woods smell wonderful.

Parking

One vehicle when I arrived and was still there when I returned as well as one other.

Water Crossings

Currently not rock hoppable. One has a birch tree that a scooted across on my butt.

Wildlife

None. Probably remember me from last week when I dispatched a few.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Very wet to start. Pretty straight forward until the big decision, North or South? As usual I went up North 1st, just an ass kicker but most that I saw went this way. Very windy on top kinda cold after a bit. Fast to South, black flies were hungry here. No issues out. Beat the rain today, 1st 4K in 4 months, nice to be back. Took my mom on her 1st 2 4Ks today & spread her ashes. Paused to reflect and give thanks to all those who sacrificed for us 82 years ago today. Truly the greatest generation!

Parking

Full at 7:45 overflowing @ 1

Water Crossings

All easy rock hops

Wildlife

Black flies brutal in lot & on South…..biting

Trails Used

Hancock Notch to Loop trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Overall trail conditions are very good. Mix of damp and wet trail throughout the hike but not enough to be a problem. Any place with running water has minimal depth. Just enough to wet the sole. North peak has no snow or rail. The trail from north to south is a mix of rail and snow free sections. Probably 50/50 rail and damp trail. Most of the rail can be straddled. The closer you get to south peak the rail becomes prominent with a fairly large snow field as you near south peak. Firm enough to walk on. There's enough snow and length of rail in this section for spikes. Bare booted door to door. Broke my solo hiking today and hiked with Mark from ME. A very seasoned climber and good company. We crossed paths with Ken another very seasoned climber that Mark climbed with years ago. What a world we live in.

Parking

Not a problem.

Water Crossings

Easily crossed.

Wildlife

Didn't see any.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Trail is bare for most of first 3 miles. There are a few 10-20’ sections of what’s left of a monorail and a few muddy areas as well. Still pretty easy to keep your feet dry. All the water crossings are pretty easy. Going up north peak there is a layer of maybe 1” of snow but no monorail or ice until you are within a couple hundred feet of summit. Going up south hancock, the ice/monorail starts way lower. In between the peaks it varies from bare trail to thin monorail to a little bit of snow covering bare trail. I posted pictures of trail conditions on all trails if you wish to see pictures of current conditions.

Water Crossings

No difficult water crossings

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock notch trl, cedar brook trl, Hancock loop trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Counter-clockwise due to the frozen luge below South. Spikes made that easy. There was lots of mono-rail everywhere but only the higher elevations were prone to post-holing or crumbling. Passed on guy coming down from South in wet sneakers. Almost felt sorry for him.

Water Crossings

Lots but all easily crossed.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Tr, Cedar Brook Tr, Loop Tr.

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I’ve never written a trail report. Sorry. But I found a charm(?). That’s why I filled out this trail report. It doesn’t appear valuable, but it may be of sentimental value to someone. Send me an email and I’ll mail it to you. Monorail and ice down low was collapsing. Up high it was fine. I went up north first and got somewhat wet (car wash) coming down. The south slide required a lot of tree grabbing.

Parking

I was the only truck. Only hiker.

Water Crossings

Rock and log hops. Tomorrow may be a bit of an issue.

Wildlife

None

Trail Conditions

Notes

Spring conditions with snow, sun, and variable temperatures. Guided hike with Redline Guide Chase Hall and a returning guest. Photos mentioned but not described in detail.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spikes door to door. The trail is still very well packed and fast. The trickiest part was the descent from south which just took some careful steps in the steep spots. A fast and cold day out.

Parking

Plenty of spots all day.

Water Crossings

All rock hops le with a little planning and adventurous spirit

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Awesome, firm, fast conditions. I wore spikes to the steeps then wore crampons around the loop. Obviously, there’s no need for crampons between the peaks, but I kept them on because I’m too lazy to change traction and they worked fine. There is definitely evidence of monorail forming between the peaks, but it’s very stable and quite wide right now. Steeps would be doable but quite tricky in spikes. I was certainly happy to have full crampons, especially going down sour where there’s a lot of butt sledding. As temps warm this week, I think snowshoes will be merited between the peaks. I don’t think they’ll be needed again down low, certainly not on the Hancock Notch Trail, as the snow is really shallow down there now. There’s still a lot up high, though, and I see posthole-a-Rama starting up without snowshoes. Definitely in good shape, great views from both lookouts, obese Gray Jays out in force.

Water Crossings

Most are open. All easy to cross.