Franconia Ridge

Franconia Ridge

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Gridding Out the Hancocks


Summits: Hancock (4,420'), South Hancock (4,319')
Trail route: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop
Trail conditions: A variety of dry, wet, muddy, snow, ice, slush
Weather: Cool, comfortable temps with a cloudy sky
Total miles: 10
Total time:  6:37

The weather was looking favorable this morning for hiking with a possibility of an afternoon shower. I would be joining Jim, Jill, Amy and Anthony for a hike to the Hancocks. Jill and I would be gridding out these peaks today meaning we will have hiked these two summits in every month of the year.

We met at the Hancock Overlook and there was plenty of parking available. There was no snow to be seen anywhere near the trailhead. The snowshoes would be staying behind and not be getting a free ride today. We did have microspikes for the expected snow and ice at higher elevations.

The trail was wet and muddy to start. A little over a mile into the hike we walked over the first short monorail. We then began the numerous water crossings that were easy today due to the low water. As we climbed up the steep section to North Hancock there were short sections of snow, ice and monorail between bare trail. We did this without any traction and had no problems.

We reached the summit of Mount Hancock and took a short break at the outlook. Some put on microspikes and some of us didn't for the continuation to South Hancock. It didn't take long before we all had microspikes on. The snow and monorail continued between the north and south peaks, the microspikes made the hike much easier.

We arrived at South Hancock and took another short break in anticipation of the steep descent ahead of us. It was all downhill from here. While the summit was bare it was just a short distance before we got into the loose snow and some ice. It was a slow, careful hike down to the trail junction.

At the trail junction we removed the microspikes. We walked back through the numerous water crossings on the way out and it was an enjoyable hike back to the trailhead. We had met many hikers along the way and the parking area was almost full on our return.

There were no rain showers. It was a great day for hiking and gridding out these two summits. I have many more summits I need for this month and a few more that I can grid out. I'm hoping for favorable weather for the rest of the month of May!

Enjoy the photos and videos!


Saw this bear and her cub on the drive to the trailhead

Sunrise

The hike starts here

First snow on the trail but short-lived

There are many water crossings on this hike

All water crossings were easy without getting wet feet

A few downed trees helped with this water crossing

Now much help on this crossing but water was low

Hiking up a brook that is normally dry

The loop around the summits begins here

Arrow Slide

Another brook that is normally dry

A small pond that is usually just an open sandy area

Arriving at the summit of North Hancock after a very steep climb

North Hancock outlook

South Hancock our next summit of the day

View from North Hancock

One of my favorite crooked trees

On the summit of South Hancock

South Hancock outlook

View from South Hancock

The Sisters and Mount Chocorua

Mount Garfield

All downhill from here

A very steep descent

The loop is complete

Jill does the rock hop

Amy does the log walk

Jim and Anthony doing another water crossing

Wet trail

North Fork Hancock Branch

Kancamagus Highway at the top of those steps

Amy and Jill make the final climb to the parking lot with their stubby poles






Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!






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