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4,420 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Hancock

Mount Hancock is a 4,420 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Hancock Trail: 9 mi, 2,604 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Hancock in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Hancock at a glance

  • Elevation4,420 ft1,347 m
  • RouteHancock TrailClass 2
  • Distance9 mi2,604 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Hancock Trail

From the Kancamagus Highway hairpin turn, the Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, and Hancock Loop trails lead to a steep, relentless climb up either summit. The North Peak is the true 4,000-footer, with a short viewpoint just off the wooded top. The loop's steep sections are notoriously slick and eroded, especially descending in wet or icy conditions, so trekking poles help. Water is limited on the loop itself. Start early for the long approach and carry plenty. Almost always climbed together with South Hancock.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Stream crossing
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Quests with Mount Hancock

Peaks near Mount Hancock

  1. South Hancock

    South Hancock

    4,319 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Mount Carrigain

    Mount Carrigain

    4,700 ft · 2.4 mi away

  3. Bondcliff

    Bondcliff

    4,265 ft · 4.6 mi away

  4. Mount Bond

    Mount Bond

    4,698 ft · 5.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Hancock?

Mount Hancock is 4,420 feet (1,347 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

How does Mount Hancock rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,420 feet, Mount Hancock is the 23rd highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Mount Hancock?

The Hancock Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 2,604 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Hancock?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Hancock Trail, covering 9 miles with 2,604 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Hancock?

The Hancock Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,604 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Mount Hancock?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Hancock?

The Hancock Trail starts at about 2,140 feet, roughly 2,280 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Hancock with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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