South Hancock via Hancock Notch

The South Hancock via Hancock Notch is 7.9 miles round trip, 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 3-6 hours. Most parties take longer than book time on rough or above-treeline terrain, in winter, or with a heavy pack.

The South Hancock via Hancock Notch climbs about 1,962 ft over 7.9 miles — an average of roughly 250 ft of gain per mile. That figure is cumulative ascent across the whole out-and-back, not the difference between the trailhead and the high point.

HikerNerd rates the South Hancock via Hancock Notch Moderate, scored with the Shenandoah difficulty formula — √(elevation gain × 2 × distance) — applied to its 7.9 miles and 1,962 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 South Hancock via Hancock Notch summits 1 named peak: Mount Hancock (South Peak).

The South Hancock via Hancock Notch starts at Hancock Notch Trailhead (Kancamagus Hairpin). Check the trail alerts on this page before you drive — trailhead access and parking in the White Mountains change with closures and construction.