North and South Hancock mountain are perfect to combine together for a day hike. Located near the middle of the Kancamagus highway, they feature a quick ascent. These mountains don’t have exposed summits, but the summit of North Hancock has exposed granite with incredible views of the North side of the Osceola and East Osceola across the Kancamagus Highway. South Hancock has views facing the east and southeast.
North Hancock
Height: 4,420 feet (1,347 meters)
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 3-5 hours
South Hancock
Height: 4,319 feet (1,316 meters)
Distance: 8.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 3-5 hours
North and South Hancock
Distance: 9.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Duration: 4-6 hours
Trail Map
Trails
Hancock Notch Trail – This trail is the beginning portion of the loop up both summits. It starts at the point of the big bend in the Kanc (directions below). It crosses quite a few easy to cross rivers, but descends relatively slowly before
Hancock Loop Trail – This trail connects the summits of North and South Hancock. It is 1.4 miles between the peaks.
Winter Hiking
This is a fantastic winter hiking trail. Due to the steep sections up to each mountain summit, it can be difficult and slippery. In the winter, the trail also opens up providing views that hikers can’t quite get in the summertime.
Directions
Parking is located at the Hancock overlook. At the far end of the parking lot, a trail goes through the short section of woods before hikers need to cross the road at the big bend in the Kanc. This is the beginning of the trailhead. Exercise caution crossing as it can be difficult for cars to see individuals crossing.
Weather Forecast
Lincoln, NH
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday
A chance of rain showers after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
A chance of rain showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Pictures
Hancock Overlook
Views of South Hancock from North Hancock
South Hancock Views
North Hancock Views
