Hancock's Loop

The Hancock's Loop is 9.3 miles around the loop, starting at Hancock Notch Trailhead (Kancamagus Hairpin). 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 loop, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the Hancock's Loop Hard on a six-tier scale from Easy to Most demanding. The rating comes from the route itself: its 9.3 miles, 2,493 ft of gain, and the steepest quarter mile of trail, with routes known for scrambles or ledges rated a step harder. It is the same scale our NH 4,000-footer difficulty ranking uses. Above-treeline exposure, water crossings, and winter conditions can still make a well-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 (Kancamagus Hairpin). Hikers' trip reports on parking at Hancock Notch Trailhead (Kancamagus Hairpin): weekends (all seasons), full in 6 of 12 reports, as early as 7:45 am; others found space as late as 8 am; fall weekdays, full in 2 of 3 reports, as early as 2 pm; others found space as late as 7:45 am. Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive: trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.