- …
- Yak
- Quests
- New England 4,000ers
- South Hancock
4,319 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire
South Hancock
South Hancock is a 4,319 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Hancock Trail: 9 mi, 2,604 ft of gain, Class 2.
South Hancock at a glance
- Elevation4,319 ft1,316 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, the Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, and Hancock Loop trails lead to a steep climb to the wooded South Peak, with a short spur to a limited viewpoint. The loop's steep pitches are eroded and notoriously slick, especially on the descent in wet or icy conditions, so poles help. Water is limited once on the loop. Start early for the long approach and carry plenty. South Hancock is almost always climbed together with North Hancock as a single loop from the highway.
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 South Hancock
New England 4,000ers
NH 48Peaks near South Hancock
Frequently asked questions
How tall is South Hancock?
South Hancock is 4,319 feet (1,316 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
How does South Hancock rank among the New England 4,000ers?
At 4,319 feet, South Hancock is the 29th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.
How hard is it to hike South 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 South 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 South 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 South 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 South Hancock?
The Hancock Trail starts at about 2,140 feet, roughly 2,179 feet below the summit.
Climb South 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