North and South Hancock Hike

GO members Gary, Jon and Mike climbed North and South Hancock on Saturday, two 4,000 footers on the southern border of the Pemigewasset Wilderness that are often hiked together. The two peaks are linked by adjoining ridge, so it's possible to bag both with only one major climb and one very steep descent. Still, it's a pretty long approach hike to get to the base of the peaks with 7 water crossings [bridged in winter].

We hiked at first under overcast skies, snow flurries and a temperature of 31 degrees. We were dressed accordingly; and had extra layers since it would get colder higher up. We also got a very reasonable start, meeting at 9:30am. This 10 mile loop hike took us about 7 hours to complete.

Trail conditions were very good on Saturday and we we able to bareboot it up to the base of North Hancock before starting the steep ascent. All of the stream crossings on the approach hike were either bridged or rock hoppable [there are like 7]; there was still running water visible on most crossings. We put on our microspikes for the steep ascent up North Hancock. Jon and I took our ice axe for stability. The loop intersection was very windy.

Once we started our ascent, the wind died down and we found ourselves in the sunshine. The snow on the ascent was fluffy and made easier by using the steps that were kicked in the snow.

The top of North Hancock had very little wind. We had lunch at the overlook and headed across the ridge toward South Hancock. It is a very beautiful section of trail; and very well protected from a westerly wind.

We arrived at a very windy South Hancock at 2:15pm to take in the views, have a snack, and planned our descent down the very steep face of South Hancock, going for bare boots, but keeping our microspikes on.

After about 50 yards we sat down on the trail and started sliding on our butts, effectively glissading down, braking with our feet. We slid over 1,000 feet down on our butts! It was a blast.

After that, we high-tailed it back to our cars at the trailhead.

Great hike and great effort. And butt-sliding...few things in life are more joyful! Winter hiking 4,000 footers in New England borders on mountaineering. Living in the Northeast makes for some excitingly different styles of hiking thanks to winter.

We will climb two 4,000 footers off the Kancamagus Highway! The majority of the hike will be in and on the same trail [3.5 miles] before we get to the Hancock Loop Trail. Hopefully the North Folk crossings will have good snow bridges. We will be going clockwise, going up to Mt. Hancock [4420'] then over to South Hancock [4319']. The climb up is steep with difficult snowshoeing, requiring vigourous step-kicking. Snow piles deep on the ridge, and the Ridge Link may be very hard to follow. The descent is butt-slide heaven!

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. If you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us or want to head off on your own, this isn't the trip for you. Likewise, this trip isn't for you if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you or want us to go on without you.

Expect winter conditions and remember that it will be getting darker earlier now so we may finish in the dark. All participants must be members of GayOutdoors and RSVP via our website. This allows us to keep track of and communicate with each person who signs up and participates in our events.

This is not a dog friendly hike.

We will hike about 9.8 miles and climb about =2,940 feet ~ for perspective the top floor of the Empire State Building is about 1,250 feet. It should take an average hiker about 7.5 hours to complete this trip ~ this estimate is adjusted to allow for slower travel during winter because of heavier packs, includes time for changing clothing to regulate temperature and putting on/taking off snowshoes or microspikes along the way.

This trip is considered MODERATE TO STRENUOUS because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. I did all my research for this trip using the Appalachian Mountain Club's "White Mountain Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

Click below for more information about each peak:

• Mt. Hancock [from peakbagger.com]
• South Hancock [from peakbagger.com]

We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here [e.g. we might not reach the summits]. While the objective of this event is to enjoy ourselves ~ your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of the trip' overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you may put yourself or others at risk ~ consider this before you decide to participate.

Hiking safely is about being prepared to respond to an emergency situation or being able to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Bring your own stuff and know how to use it. Click here are refer to our winter hiking list that describes the minimum required items to participate in this event. Click here for the current weather conditions.

After The Hike:  Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley to socialize around the fireplace and enjoy a home cooked meal with dessert! It's BYOB and it costs $5 per person.   

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night for $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!