The Hancocks on October 25, 2014

Last year on this weekend,  winter had already hit the White Mountains. This year, we had a beautiful day that topped out at 50 degrees. Seth, Steve and I met up to climb the Hancocks. We rolled onto the Kancamangus and parked at Hancock Overlook which is at the top of the hairpin turn on the Kanc. We hit the trail at 7:50 am. First trail was Hancock Notch for 1.8, onto Cedar Brook for 0.7, then to the Hancock Loop trail for the remaining mileage, which for us was 1.6 to the South Peak, then 1.4 to North Hancock, with another 1.8 back down to Cedar Brook and Hancock Notch for the return to the overlook. The Hancocks are a terrific day hike.

Total mileage was 9.8.
Total time was 6hrs, 22min (with some chatty breaks).
Total elevation climbed 2670ft,

A little bit of Vermont in NH, I had scored some Heady Topepers for our summit beers this time. 

There wasn't any trailhead signage so this is the next best thing. This photo is actually the second and final junction of the ascent, we had already hiked Hancock Notch, and Cedar Brook. Hancock Notch is super gradual, but great for just cruising. There was a fair amount of blowdown, at least trees are over the trail. Cedar Brook has several brook crossings. On the way up, we opted for the bushwhack that is fairly well marked with orange surveyor's tape. This lost us approximately 10 minutes, a pair of hikers we had passed early on had gotten ahead of us since they had crossed. On the way down we skipped the bushwhack and crossed the river. Most stepping stones were submerged due to a lot of rain earlier in the week. But with boots and poles, the crossings were no problem. Maybe this would have been more difficult with trail runners and no poles,

Heading up the Hancock Loop trail.

We opted for ascending South Hancock. Although it seemed like a coin flip. It's 0.2 closer to the summit from the Loop junction. It seemed like it was about as steep as North Hancock. 

Mt. Hancock as seen from the shaded climb up South Hancock in the morning

North Hancock was in the sun in the morning as the trail up South Hancock is actually on the north west side of the mountain. This might be a consideration for people climbing in the morning. The sun would probably hit some of the trail in the afternoon for a descent if done the other way. Don't know for sure though. 

Looking back at North Hancock and peaks to the west

The cool thing about ascending South Hancock in the morning is that most of the climb was shaded until you get towards the top. Then you know you're nearing the summit because the sun is just about even. Adolescent hemlocks are spaced throughout the summit which makes for a pretty cool image. 

Close to the summit of South Hancock around 9:45am

The summit of South Hancock and that beautiful sun. 

Summit of South Hancock

View from the South Hancock outlook.

South Hancock's view

After chatting it up on South Hancock, it was time to head over to the main summit. The ridge swings around to the east without too much elevation drop. It was breezy up top, but quickly became wooded enough to block the wind.

North Hancock's view from the outlook

The outlook on Mt. Hancock was wee bit crowded (6 people), but afforded some awesome views.

The view of the crew on Mt. Hancock.

We cracked the beers just a little ways down the trail.

Mmmm. Heady Topper: It's tasty because everyone says it's tasty. Plus it's pretty good. Plus a Canadian Jay wanted a sip. It was perched just above my right shoulder.

Heading down Mt (north) Hancock. 

The descent was okay. Just off the summit of Mt. Hancock is pretty loose rock. Water was streaming right down the trail. Again, we had had a full week of rain leading up to this Saturday.

All in all, our streak of beautiful days continues. I think we made the right call doing Hancock this time of year. The only dicey thing about the day was the high brook, but this wasn't of any real consequence.

Here's a little secret: the sign swings open like a saloon door. You'll look like a fool going around it. But it only swings one way. You'll again look like a fool trying to come through on the other side.