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About


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 up the Hancock Loop Trail
Looking up the Hancock Loop Trail

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

A bit windy to be above treeline, I decided to make the most of an otherwise nice day and do some hiking off the Kanc. For the morning, the plan was the Hancocks.

The trails were just about perfect - well packed, no ice, and great for snowshoeing. Most of the water crossings were snowbridged. Reaching the summit of North Hancock, I had excellent views of the Osceolas and Scar Ridge. Continuing to South Hancock, I had to be careful to stay on trail, as the footbed had been drifted over in some places. From South Hancock, the views weren't quite as strong, but nonetheless quite good.

The descent went smoothly - since I was the first one down the south branch on this day, I was able to get good traction with my snowshoes (vs. trying to get down a slick buttslided trail).

A nice morning on the Hancocks.


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: Moderate
Views: Excellent
Crowds: Minimal


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Saturday, January 16, 2010
Hike Commenced: 7:40 AM
Parking Elevation: 2,140'
Destination: Mt. Hancock (North Peak)
Ascent Commenced: 7:40 AM
Summit Reached: 9:33 AM
Time Elapsed: 01:53
Trailhead Elevation: 2,140'
Summit Elevation: 4,420'
Vertical Gain: 2,470'
Destination: Mt. Hancock (South Peak)
Ascent Commenced: 9:35 AM
Summit Reached: 10:10 AM
Time Elapsed: 00:35
Trailhead Elevation: 4,420'
Summit Elevation: 4,319'
Distance: 1.4 miles
Vertical Gain: 534'
Hike Ended: 11:38 AM
Hike Time Elapsed: 03:58
Hike Vertical Gain: 3,154'


The Hancock Notch Trail trailhead
The Hancock Notch Trail trailhead

The Osceolas as seen from the North Hancock viewpoint - Click to enlarge
The Osceolas as seen from the North Hancock viewpoint

The Hancock Loop Trail between the peaks
The Hancock Loop Trail between the peaks

The Franconia Ridge as seen from near the South Hancock summit - Click to enlarge
The Franconia Ridge as seen from near the South Hancock summit




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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