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Mt. Hancock (North Peak), Mt. Hancock (South Peak)
Lincoln, NH, Livermore, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Hancock Loop Trail on the way to the north peak
Route: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail, (Mt. Hancock North Peak), Hancock Loop Trail, (Mt. Hancock South Peak), Hancock Loop Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Notch Trail
Having previously visited the Hancocks on subpar days weatherwise, I decided to wait for a nice day and revisit. Thus, presented with a nice morning, I headed over to the Hancocks.
After crossing 112, it took me a moment to find the entrance into the woods - the placement of the snowbank and a blowdown just beyond it made the trail a bit obscure. Nonetheless, I climbed over the bank and was on my way, sporting Microspikes.
I made decent time to the loop junction, though I wasn't walking at warp speed. Fortunately, the many water crossings were mostly bridged, allowing for fairly easy travel.
Ascending up the north peak in clear weather was quite a treat - it was neat to see just how steep the terrain is. Arriving at the summit, I was absolutely shocked by how amazing the views were - much of the summit area had filled in with snow, allowing for me to stand on top of the small spruce trees and get views ranging from Kearsarge North Mountain to Mount Ellen.
After taking in the windless bluebird day views, I worked my way over to the south peak, stopping a few times to clear blowdowns. Arriving at the south peak, I was once again in for another treat view-wise. About 50-100 feet north of the summit, snow had accumulated on the ridge, allowing for me to once again walk on top of small spruce trees and thus get a tremendous view of the Presidentials, Mt. Carrigain, and points to the east and south.
I took my time descending, I chose to stick with Microspikes. Back at the loop junction, the long trek back to the road wasn't quite as bad as I remember it, as the beautiful day made it almost a pleasure.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hancock (North Peak) |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hancock (South Peak) |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, March 21, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
7:14 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
2,140' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hancock (North Peak) |
| Ascent Commenced: |
7:14 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
9:04 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:50 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
2,140' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,420' |
| Vertical Gain: |
2,470' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hancock (South Peak) |
| Ascent Commenced: |
9:12 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
10:00 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:48 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
4,420' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,319' |
| Distance: |
1.4 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
534' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
11:44 AM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
04:30 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,154' |
|
The Hancock Notch Trail trailhead
Looking at the Osceolas and Scar Ridge from Mt. Hancock's North Peak
The Hancock Loop Trail on the way to Mt. Hancock's south peak
Looking at Mt. Washington from the Mt. Hancock's south peak
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 112 west from Route 16. After going over the pass, continue down hill a bit. The Hancock WMNF fee parking area will be on the left, just before a hairpin turn.
Back to Mt. Hancock (North Peak) Profile
Back to Mt. Hancock (South Peak) Profile
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