Hancock Loop Trail
To Mount Hancock (North Peak), Mount Hancock (South Peak) · New Hampshire
Hancock Loop Trail is a loop in the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Willey Range, climbing about 2,050 ft.
Map length (loop)
4.1 mi
Climb from the low end
2,051 ft
Book time up / down (from map miles)
3 h 5 min / 3 h 5 min
High point
4,388 ft
Above treeline
None
Steepest ¼ mile
2,746 ft/mi
Stream crossings
2 (2 fords)
Low point
2,707 ft
Measured on the map. The AMC guide and Forest Service figures usually run 5 to 15% longer.
HikerNerd routes on this trail
Hancock Loop Trail
Mile by mile (map miles)
From Cedar Brook Trail junction (the lower end), once around.
- 0.0Cedar Brook Trail junction
- 0.1Fords a stream
- 1.7Mount Hancock (North Peak)
- 2.4Middle Hancock
- 2.8Mount Hancock (South Peak)
- 4.0Fords a stream
Distances and book times (map miles)
To Mount Hancock (North Peak)
1.66 mi (total 1.66) · ↑1,761 ↓84 ft · 1 h 43 min / 52 min
To Middle Hancock
0.78 mi (total 2.44) · ↑196 ↓346 ft · 29 min / 34 min
To Mount Hancock (South Peak)
0.31 mi (total 2.75) · ↑93 ↓95 ft · 12 min / 12 min
To Cedar Brook Trail junction (mile 4.1)
1.37 mi (total 4.12) · ↑0 ↓1,521 ft · 41 min / 1 h 27 min
| From | To | Map miles | Total | Climb ↑ / ↓ | Time ↑ / ↓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Brook Trail junction (mile 0.0) | Mount Hancock (North Peak) | 1.66 | 1.66 | 1,761 / 84 ft | 1 h 43 min / 52 min |
| Mount Hancock (North Peak) | Middle Hancock | 0.78 | 2.44 | 196 / 346 ft | 29 min / 34 min |
| Middle Hancock | Mount Hancock (South Peak) | 0.31 | 2.75 | 93 / 95 ft | 12 min / 12 min |
| Mount Hancock (South Peak) | Cedar Brook Trail junction (mile 4.1) | 1.37 | 4.12 | 0 / 1,521 ft | 41 min / 1 h 27 min |
↑ walking from Cedar Brook Trail junction; ↓ the other way. Book time: 2 mph over the map miles plus 30 minutes per 1,000 ft of climbing.
Summit conditions
Today's conditions report2 incidents recorded on this trail: Mount Hancock (North Peak) safety record
Recent trip reports
3 reports on this trail in the last 30 days: snow or ice in 0, microspikes recommended in 0, mud in 3. From hikers on New England Trail Conditions.
- Thu, Oct 1MudDry
Water crossings: Easy rock hops
Full report on NETC - Wed, Sep 30MudWetDry
Water crossings: All rock hops
Full report on NETC - Fri, Sep 11MudDry
Water crossings: All easy rock hops even for those of us with short legs.
Full report on NETC - Fri, Aug 21MudDry
Water crossings: All easy to rock hop.
Full report on NETC
Connecting trails
What to bring
From the summit forecast, Sat to MonPaid links. Backcountry.com pays me if you buy. Prices are Backcountry's, checked twice a day.
64 mph
Summit gusts
Plan a below-treeline hike
Daytime gusts near 64 mph above treeline. Pick a sheltered route or another day.
30°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 30°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
11h 13m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 6:08 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: USGS 3DEP. Distances are measured from the map and can differ from signs and guidebooks. Conditions change: check before you go.