4,319 ft | Hancock | 2 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Hancock (South Peak) are currently rated Difficult. At 3:20 AM ET it was 26°F at the summit (4,319 ft), feeling like 11°F, with WNW winds at 25 mph. The shortest of 2 listed routes is South Hancock via Hancock Notch: 7.9 miles round trip with 1,962 ft of elevation gain, taking about 3-6 hours. Mount Hancock (South Peak) (4,319 ft) is #26 of 48 on the NH 48 list. See the hour-by-hour Mount Hancock (South Peak) weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 11°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.06" (24h) · 0.61" (48h)
Snow: 0.3" (24h) · 0.3" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Saturday brings subfreezing temps, 25 mph winds gusting to 44 mph, fog, and fresh snow over wet trails that froze overnight, so icy, slick footing is likely on the whole route. Wind chill near 11°F at the summit and a regional cold-air wind event raise frostbite and hypothermia risk. Sunday is calmer and clearer, making it the far better day to hike.
Expect roughly 28-40°F with moderate wind at the trailhead, dropping to the teens with 45-50 mph ridge winds and wind chill near -5°F at the top. The freezing line sits between roughly 650 ft and 3,650 ft, so snow and ice start low on the route; start with breathable layers and add insulation and a wind shell before leaving the trees, and carry traction from the car.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday is the better choice as winds ease, skies begin to clear, and temps rise toward the upper 30s. If hiking Saturday, start at first light and aim to be off the summit well before midday while trails are firmly frozen, treating it as a cold, icy, windy outing.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Trail conditions were good with minor mud in the usual places. Streams were very low. I did the loop clockwise - connecting trail was dry and in great shape. Trail to North Hancock was no problem - mostly dry - some scrambling. Trail from South Hancock down requires carefull foot placement - some loose stone - hiking poles help. This is a perfect time to hike the Hancocks.”
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant
“Warm start, clouds down low early. Very wet, muddy, slippery as expected. Much drier in the afternoon, feet are still going to get wet. Up to North 1st, ass kicker for sure. Not sure what’s worse, the climb up to North or down from South. Was treated to warm sun no wind and an amazing undercast with just the Osceola’s poking thru the clouds. Clouds as far as you could see in all directions, pretty cool. Quick to South no issues. Also same warm conditions with clouds dispersing. Solo on both peaks, saw no one until heading down. Lot was crazy, traffic jam with cars trying to come in, pullout & park. Roadside parking only added to traffic.”
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“The gridiot memo must have gone out last night. I saw 8 people in total and knew 5 of them. Huge thanks to Chad for clearing all the spider webs for the rest of us who slept in. The trail is in great shape right now. Things were a little damp which helped with footing but not damp enough to make the rocks slippery. The water crossings are super low and easy. The muddy sections in the first 2 miles are still super muddy and not supportive. I picked my way through that area and tried to step on the limbs and logs thrown into the pits. Don't trust the mud. The steep sections still require care as the rocks are shifting and moving but overall it was a pretty easy ascent and descent. It was great to see Chad first thing this morning, then Ken and Karen below the south peak, then Matthew at almost the top of the South Peak. As I was almost back to the loop junction, I heard yelling behind me and along came Denise who joined me for the rest of the hike out. I love these kind of days. It was the nicest reminder that the best part of gridding is always the people. Today's hike brought me to 50% on G2. Woo hoo!”
Planning a hike here? Add it to your hikes and, with Trailblazer, we'll email you new trail reports before you go.
Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
Paid links. Backcountry.com pays me if you buy. Prices are Backcountry's, checked twice a day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
18°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 18°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
56 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 56 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
-3°F
Wind chill
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
South peak of Mount Hancock with limited views. Usually done as a loop with the North Peak.
Elevation
4,319 ft
Range
Hancock
Rank
#26 of 48
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.0733, -71.4869
Been to Mount Hancock (South Peak)?
Be the first to share your experience!
Hancock Loop Trail (4.1 mi)
AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.