Nancy Brook and Norcross Pond

WOW!

What an amazing hike today. The weather was excellent. The trail was in outstanding condition. No Bugs! The perfect combination for a great adventure. We made excellent time and reached our goal with time to spare. We took many pictures which we will hope to load soon. Great applause to @promeneur for keeping a great pace and sharing so MANY jokes. Humor is a great addition to any hike.

I HIGHLY recommend this trip for any hikers. The Nancy Cascades is an easy to moderate (2.5miles) destination for simple hikers. The Norcross Pond (4.3 miles) has incredible views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Franconia Ridge, is a more moderate commitment but doable hike. Two short, minor steep sections (switchbacks) otherwise a nice grade up to Norcross Pond. Many opportunities for pictures.

This trip will be repeated later in the summer. Sweet swimming holes along the hike will be a fantastic addition to a summer adventure.

Sign Up and G.O. You stay at home folks are missing fantastic fun and adventures.

Nancy Brook and Norcross Pond: elevation (highest point) 3120ft, distance to highest point 4.3 miles, total trip distance 8.6.

This trip is considered MODERATE. Some steep grade and distance are factors.

Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail at 10:20.

Hike begins on Route 302 Harts Location. The first half of this hike is a gradual grade up to Nancy Cascades. Passing the remains of an old logging camp. Leaving the cascades is a steep switch back for about .5 a mile. The trail then resumes a gentle grade through a moss-covered virgin forest, traveling along the Nancy Brook. Eventually reaching Nancy Pond the trail will wind around though forest and bog. Reaching the outlet of Norcross Pond and an amazing view of The Pemigewasset Wilderness.

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. It is recommended that hikers have extra dry clothing and wind protection. Always have water (no guarantee for places to refill) and food. If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!! It is also highly recommended to bring a BLISTER KIT (DIY kits online). If this is the first hike of the season or brand-new footwear, foot first aid most likely will be necessary. For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.

It is possible for black flies to be out by this point in the season. Bug repellent is recommended. Remember the one thing worse than annoying bugs is people complaining about annoying bugs. Helpful hint: Avoid perfumed scents in soaps, bodywash and shampoo. These will attract bugs.

Covid – Please bring a mask for the use when in close proximity to others. Respect people’s space, there are a variety of mask styles to match the variety of covid options. Let’s be safe and respect others. We are not the only people on the trail.

Group Size (not to exceed 12): It is not fun leaving folks out of trips. If you cannot attend, PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into two smaller groups. Dogs are the FULL responsibility of the owner and cannot interfere with the hike or the participants. This hike may not be ideal for dogs because of other dogs and hikers. This trail is narrow and steep. It is up to the owner. A leash (close at hand) is highly recommended (also required in WMNF). Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

Weather: If weather is a concern any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Thursday prior by 6pm. If it is a cancellation it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

After trip social: No formal plans are in place yet.

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts. No one wants to be injured or put other in harms way. Always be prepared. Know your limits. Any questions feel free to contact me.

Group will meet at 10 am and depart up the trail at 10:20.