Hancock's Loop

The Hancock's Loop is 9.3 miles point to point, starting at Hancock Notch Trailhead. At AMC book time — half the distance in hours plus 30 minutes per 1,000 ft of climbing — that works out to roughly 4-8 hours. Most parties take longer than book time on rough or above-treeline terrain, in winter, or with a heavy pack.

The Hancock's Loop climbs about 2,493 ft over 9.3 miles — an average of roughly 267 ft of gain per mile. That figure is cumulative ascent across the whole point-to-point, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the Hancock's Loop Moderate, scored with the Shenandoah difficulty formula — √(elevation gain × 2 × distance) — applied to its 9.3 miles and 2,493 ft of gain. The score measures physical effort only. Above-treeline exposure, water crossings, and winter conditions can make a moderate-rated route the hardest day of your year, so check current conditions before committing.

The Hancock's Loop summits 2 named peaks: Mount Hancock (North Peak), Mount Hancock (South Peak).

The Hancock's Loop starts at Hancock Notch Trailhead. Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive — trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.