Hancocks Hike

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the Whites
Not a GOer was stirring, except for two hardy men itching to hike...

Mark and I met up at the trailhead at about 8AM and after getting ready, we were soon on our way.  Despite the forecast for overcast skies, there was plenty of blue overhead; however, it was nippy enough to put the red in our cheeks!  There was a good amount of snow on the ground, but the trail was well-broken out with at least 7 other hikers ahead of us...who were also trying to get a hike in before the storm!  As anyone who's done this hike before, it was fairly easy going out to the junction for the Hancock Loop...which we reached by 9:50AM.  We ascended via the south leg of the loop up to the summit of South Hancock.  This was steep with some patches of ice underneath; however, it was alright with the microspikes that we had doned.  Near the top the woods opened up and provided beautiful views into the Pemigewasset Wilderness...looking prominently in the direction of Franconia Ridge.  We reached the treed summit by 10:40AM.  Despite the fact that the summit was treed, there was a wonderful clearing to the east just off of the summit.  There was a distinct diffenence in the snow cover looking down in the valleys on the east side, where it seemed to have not gotten as much.

It was very cold up here...probably in the single digits, so we pressed on.  We continued counterclockwise around the loop over to Mt. Hancock.  Along the way there were some openings in the trees over to Mt. Carrigain as well as the next summit.  Just before reaching the other summit, we also took a short snack break, so we could recharge a bit.  It wasn't long after this that we reached the Hancock summit.  It was just before noon.  Again this summit was in the trees, but there was a fabulous ledge just beyond that provided magnificient views southward...towards the Osceolas.  It was still bitingly cold, so we quickly took in the views and started the steep descent back town to the loop junction.  It was a bit icey in spots, but we managed it with only a few soft falls each...and a few butt slides by Mark.  By 12:45PM we were back at the junction and were on our way back to the trailhead using the same route out.  As this was mostly downhill, we made excellent time and were back to our cars by a little after 2PM.

As there was a serious storm brewing for the evening, we regrettably dispensed with any post-hike meal/drinks and got on the road for our safety.  Despite calling it an early day, it was certainly a fantastic day out...much nicer than was anticipated.  It was a georgeous day and a wonderful end to the 2013 hiking season!

Thanks to Mark for braving the elements and joining me!

Happy holidays!

Due to the potential for a major snow storm overnight Saturday into Sunday, this hike has been moved to SATURDAY.

Join me for a loop hike around South Hancock (4319') and Hancock (4420') Mountains.  Located at the southern border of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Mount Hancock is characterized by a long ridge with several peaks, most importantly the North Peak (4420') and the South Peak (4319').  Although both peaks are wooded to the top, nice views are available nearby of Mt. Osceola and the Sandwich Range to the south, as well as into the Pemigewasset Wilderness...towards Owl's Head and Franconia Ridge to the west.  The trail is mostly modest in grade until the junction with the north and south legs of the loop trail...afterwhich it becomes steep for 0.5 mile to the first summit and ridgeline.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  9.8 miles with approximately 3000 feet in accumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  About 7-8 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 

Rain or harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, a windbreaker/raingear and extra layers (e.g. fleece)...or winter jacket/parka depending on forecasted conditions.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.  Note:  It's possible that there may be snow and ice on the summit and higher elevation ledges...conditions may justify additional traction (e.g. microspikes).

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in Lincoln.