4,319 ft | Hancock | 1 route
Feels like 64°F
~4°F drop per 1,000ft
Best Hiking Window
Friday is the clear preferred window — conditions are mild, dry, and winds are light. Start early Friday to complete the hike well before any overnight moisture begins moving in. Saturday hiking is not recommended due to the approaching severe storm system.
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant
“Perfect moist wet soggy Sunday for a little lap up these peaks. Stream crossings were very tame and the trail only really started puddling down low after it poured again early afternoon. Winds were mean at both summit outlooks and really made us grateful for not choosing to venture above treeline today, that would be absolutely miserable in todays conditions. We went up South and down North and passed a surprising number of people ascending as we descended. Curious to see how trails react to todays rain in the am tomorrow”
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“This was my redemption hike. Exactly 1 month and 1 day ago, I fell on the first water crossing thanks to some glaze ice and really messed up my knee. I managed to make it all the way up to the Loop where I realized I needed to turn back because there was no way my knee was going to agree to the steepness. Today was a night and day difference. The trail down low is mostly dry with some areas of standing or running water and some minor mud. The ascent up North was fine. No slick wet rocks. There were 2 small areas of snow on the ridge and I took a moment of silence to say goodbye to them. 2 bum touches on the descent down South which is pretty good for me. No wet rock on that side either, just the usual moving rocks under your feet. Glad to finally redeem myself and grab these for this single season project.”
Trail: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow
“After a couple days of rain there was a lot of running water on the trail. Still a considerable amount remaining at the end of the day. Water crossings were tricky in the morning but much easier late in the day after the water went down. Two of the crossings on the loop trail, you will either have wet shoes or need shoes off. Some very loose gravel on the way up North with running water still on trail. Some monorail on the ridge which was easily walked on top of. With melting conditions I'm guessing people will soon be falling through. No spikes needed at any time. Despite the yucky morning conditions, it was still a great day out! Enjoyed the trail!”
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth, Mt. Washington Avalanche Center, USGS Stream Levels, OpenWeather Air Quality.
AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
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
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