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Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Nancy, NH
Trails
Trails: Nancy Pond Trail, herd path
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parking for 6-10 cars in small pull off of 302. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Multiple small rock hopable water crossings up to the ponds and some great bog bridges to keep feet dry and mud free. The main crossing 1.6 miles from trailhead parking was tricky to negotiate. On ascent we found a location about 100 yds up from the trail where rock hoping was possible. However, once the rain started (downpour, actually) the flow increased significantly, and the lower crossing was not possible without getting wet feet. There were no exposed rocks, all were under rushing water. Since we were at the end of the hike, we just got wet feet; probably should have switched to my water shoes. The second crossing just below the cascade was rock hopable even after the rains and increased flow, but it did take some negotiating to find the right rocks. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Multiple blow downs, but all were easy to pass. The herd path was slightly brushy, but easy to follow. See previous report for comments regarding blazes, spot on regarding frequency and easy of finding them. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Cooper and Piper had fun, as usual. Trail was easy for them to follow. Lots of water, which was great at the very warm start of this hike. Ponds also offered a chance to cool down, as well. Only problems were with regard to the water crossings after the rain storm, and the high flow. Piper, who loves wading in water, had no problems getting through the rapid flow. But Coop is much smaller and not a water loving pup, so he needed major assistance traversing the final crossing after all the rain (ascent was a non-issue). 
Bugs
Bugs: They were out but none biting. One good thing about the rains, is that the bugs went for cover. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: N/A 
 
Comments
Comments: Very warm (for mid May) start to the hike, path easy to follow. Cascades were wonderfully much cooler. Some patches of ice on the switchbacks after the lower cascades crossing, but all easily negotiated. Further up more ice patches and a few larger / deeper patches of snow, including one right before Norcross Pond, but all were supportive for now. All intermittent with patches of mud, and running water; very thankful for all the bog bridges to keep feet dry between the top of the cascade and around the ponds.

Herd path was easy to locate/follow and, as expected, pretty brushy. Some steeper sections showed a bit of erosion. Approaching the summit, several ice patches / monorail were easy to get around and we didn't see any reason for putting on spikes for these short stretches. Just beyond the summit, there is a ledge with great views towards southern presidentials and the Carters. And we could see smoke from the brush fire in Carter Notch.

Weather was great while at the summit, however, on descent things changed quickly, and I was wishing we had not spent so much time enjoying the views. It was pretty much a downpour for most of our decent, slowing travel a bit. We were soaked by the time we arrived back at our cars despite all the rain gear and pack cover; happy I packed everything in see-to-summit bags.

Not sure how long ice and snow will last if the weather continues to be unseasonably warm.  
Name
Name: CookiesOnTop & Goldrush 
E-Mail
E-Mail: schwarzmc at yahoo dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2022-05-15 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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