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.

Pictures

Hancock Overlook

Views of South Hancock from North Hancock

South Hancock Views

North Hancock Views