Summits: Mount Hancock (4,420'), South Hancock (4,319')
Trail route: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Trail conditions: Trail was well packed with a few inches of fresh snow on top
Weather: Cold with temps in the teens and 20's, lots of blue sky and sunshine sans clouds
Total miles: 10
Total time: 7 hours
My hiking has gotten off to a slow start for 2020. I've only done one 4,000 footer for January so I looked ahead at the weather forecast this week and decided to take a day off to go hiking today. I would be joining Scott, Lisa and Kally for a hike to the Hancocks.
It was a cold morning when we met at the Hancock Overlook parking area. The trail was well packed down with a few inches of fresh snow. We started bare booting and after a mile put on our microspikes for a little traction.
When we reached the trail junction that split the loop between North and South Peaks we noticed that the two hikers that passed us earlier went up the South Peak. Our plan was to go up North Peak and down South. The few inches of new snow had not been broke out going up North. Before starting up the steep ascent we put on snowshoes. This was definitely the way to go and the televators were a big help on this steep trail.
As we got higher in elevation there was a coating of frozen snow on the trees. It was a beautiful sight especially against the deep blue sky. We reached the summit of North Peak and enjoyed the spectacular views from the outlook.
After photos we moved on to the South Peak. It was an enjoyable hike across the ridge. When we arrived at South Peak we were greeted with a very cold wind. I dropped down to the outlook and got a few photos. After something quick to eat we started our descent.
It's a very steep drop from the summit of South Hancock. There was just enough fresh snow to semi-ski down with the snowshoes although the traction made it rather difficult along the way. There were no mishaps or falls and we all made it down safely.
When we reached the loop junction we went back to bare boots for the rest of the hike. With the little bit of fresh snow on the packed trail it actually felt cushioned. It was an enjoyable hike back to the Hancock Overlook parking area.
With blue sky and sunshine, tolerable temps and great trail conditions it was a spectacular day for hiking in the White Mountains!
Enjoy the photos and video!
Starting our hike at the Hancock Overlook
Going from bare boots to microspikes
Trees have a coating of snow in the higher elevations
Open stream easily crossed
A perfect circle in the snow and ice
A clump of snow hangs over the trail waiting for an unsuspecting hiker
Turning onto the Cedar Brook Trail
Turning onto the Hancock Loop Trail
Treading lightly on this ice
We went left for the ascent on North Peak
Up we go into the white blue yonder
White limbs against the blue sky
The warm sunshine felt nice as it was a fairly cold day
Scott leads the way on the steep ascent
Lisa and Kally steep climbing
A view from the trail
Scott in a white tunnel
Another view from the trail
On North Hancock
View from the outlook
Sun shines over the summits
South Hancock our next destination of the day
South Hancock summit
On our way to South Hancock
Passing the summit signs on North Hancock
Trees had a nice coating of snow
Frozen Old Man's Beard hanging from a tree
I've been wanting to ride this tree
Mount Carrigain in the distance
Zooming in to the summit of Mount Carrigain
Mount Carrigain observation tower
View from South Hancock
Arrow Slide on North Hancock
The Loop is complete
Once again walking lightly on this water crossing
Sunshine on the trail
The end of the hike is near as we are about cross the Kancamagus Highway
Back at the Hancock Overlook parking area
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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