U
Unregistered
Guest
N & S Hancock via Hancock Loop
Hiked: 10/31/10
Trail Conditions:
My friend and I tackled the Hancock's on Halloween; we arrived at the trailhead on the Kancamagus around 8 am and were on our way shortly thereafter. The sky was overcast and there was a winter chill in the air. The trail started out ok but as we progressed there were large unavoidable muddy patches encompassing almost the entire width of the trail. After the first significant water crossing there were scattered patches of snow; as we neared the trail junction that coincided with the loop we were thrust into a winter wonderland. We did the loop N-S. The north side is a .02 longer than the south and is less steep - judging by the footprints in the snow, we weren't the only ones that had decided to go N-S. The trail was covered in snow all the way to and through the summits. There were large unavoidable muddy patches on the summit, some encompassing the width of the trail; slushy in consistency but wet none-the-less! Our views were obstructed by the snow cloud that lingered over the summit but it broke, briefly, to reveal some of the nearby ranges. The trail down from the summit of S. Hancock was steep and we utilized microspikes for added stability and traction.
The water crossings (5) were easy as the water levels are quite low; no major blowdowns on the ridge between the summits.
Special Equipment Required: Gaitors; although we didn't have any, they would have been mighty useful! Trekking poles-useful, wind layers-essential, microspikes (or other traction device)-necessary, gloves, & winter hat-essential.
Comments: Great way to spend Halloween! The change in conditions from the beginning of the trail to the loop proper was stark. On the summits and along the ridge, if you took the time, you could see ice riming on tree branches; very cool. Our ascent was manageable sans microspikes, but necessary for the descent. Gray Jays alive and well.
Kelly Rogers
[email protected]
Hiked: 10/31/10
Trail Conditions:
My friend and I tackled the Hancock's on Halloween; we arrived at the trailhead on the Kancamagus around 8 am and were on our way shortly thereafter. The sky was overcast and there was a winter chill in the air. The trail started out ok but as we progressed there were large unavoidable muddy patches encompassing almost the entire width of the trail. After the first significant water crossing there were scattered patches of snow; as we neared the trail junction that coincided with the loop we were thrust into a winter wonderland. We did the loop N-S. The north side is a .02 longer than the south and is less steep - judging by the footprints in the snow, we weren't the only ones that had decided to go N-S. The trail was covered in snow all the way to and through the summits. There were large unavoidable muddy patches on the summit, some encompassing the width of the trail; slushy in consistency but wet none-the-less! Our views were obstructed by the snow cloud that lingered over the summit but it broke, briefly, to reveal some of the nearby ranges. The trail down from the summit of S. Hancock was steep and we utilized microspikes for added stability and traction.
The water crossings (5) were easy as the water levels are quite low; no major blowdowns on the ridge between the summits.
Special Equipment Required: Gaitors; although we didn't have any, they would have been mighty useful! Trekking poles-useful, wind layers-essential, microspikes (or other traction device)-necessary, gloves, & winter hat-essential.
Comments: Great way to spend Halloween! The change in conditions from the beginning of the trail to the loop proper was stark. On the summits and along the ridge, if you took the time, you could see ice riming on tree branches; very cool. Our ascent was manageable sans microspikes, but necessary for the descent. Gray Jays alive and well.
Kelly Rogers
[email protected]
