North and South Hancock Winter Hike

Mt. Hancock [4420] and South Hancock [4319] via the Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail and Hancock Loop Trail.

We hiked about 9.8 miles and climbed about 2,300 feet. [Let me say, cold weather hiking…it’s not like the easy planning we enjoy in summer, right?]

33d at the trailhead, very windy and cooler at the summits. Started out cloudy but during the ascent it got sunny with abundant clouds. There was lots of blue sky overhead, with just enough clouds to make the sky look interesting. The air was cold and fresh. What’s not to like about that?

Jon and I hit the trail after making a few wardrobe adjustments and waiting for a member who was a NO SHOW. Jon realized he forgot his MicroSpikes so the very steep ascent up North Hancock was going to be even more challenging for him! 

And so…the Hancocks aren’t hard, per se, although they do get very steep. There are a few water crossing, but nothing major, and they were mostly snow bridged.

We hiked in about two miles over terrain that is quite tame. These initial miles followed an old railbed. It was very straight, very wide, and an easy grade.

But when the ground pitches up, we have little to no recourse, hiking up or down trails that among the steepest in the Whites! We hiked up to the right of the Arrow Slide that we pictured. The trail shoots up very steeply with the grade relentless for most of the climb up North Peak.

The previous butt sliders made it difficult to find foot holds up North Hancock, so I cut them along the side of the trail for Jon. When we looked out at the views on the steep climb up, we also looked down the trail, and realized we were really, really looking straight down the trail!. It wasn’t just that right in front of us were the treetops of nearby trees, it was that a lot of those treetops were outright below us!

Although the summits are treed-in, there are outlooks on both ends that offer fine views! We had lunch at the North Hancock summit. The ridge over to South Hancock was mostly easier hiking over some really nice trail but one had to be careful not to have their eyes poked since the depth of snow had us walking up high and tightly through trees.

Going down South Hancock was mixture of hiking, falling and butt sliding! The trail had an icy hard pack coating so sliding down was super fast. 

MicroSpikes were the name of the game but Jon managed to do this without them. We got fine views of the Sandwich area peaks, Osceola, Carrigain, Franconias and Washington here and there. Let me say, however, that this is a great trip. We got altitude, some exertion, some fine views, and an awesome butt slide!

A climb up two 4,000 footers off the Kanc with one of the best butt-slide descents in the Whites!

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 vigorous 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 will hike about 9.8 miles and climb about 2,300 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.

What to wear/bring:  MicroSpikes are required but we may need snowshoes if there has been a recent snowstorm. We may not need snowshoes at the start so you should be prepared to strap your snowshoes onto your pack using bungee cords. Wear warm clothing suitable for the exposed ledge and summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated winter boots suitable for the season.  Additionally, bring a headlamp/flashlight.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and Saturday night for $25 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 me ASAP to reserve a bunk!