Haunted Hancocks before the snowstorm

10/29/11 - A snowstorm was predicted so about one-third of the registrants for this AMC H/B hike bailed. I volunteered to drive two others from the Dascomb Park-n-Ride lot to the trailhead -- a decision which I regretted at day's end when the storm started and made driving difficult and treacherous.

But the hike was epic! The summit of Mt. (North) Hancock is wooded, but there is a nice view from a side path of the Sandwich Range, including the Tripyramids. A gray jay visited us on the summit. I was delighted to do these two 4,000-footers for the first time!

The trailhead is on the Kancamagus Highway just after a hairpin turn coming from the west. There are many river crossings but the trail climbs only moderately until the Hancock Loop Trail, which is at times very steep and rough. Thanks to Brian Glenn and Erika Bloom for leading the two groups!

9.8 miles, 2,650' elevation gain
Summits: Mt. (North) Hancock (4,420') and South Hancock (4,319')
Route: Hancock Notch Trail to Cedar Brook Trail to Hancock Loop Trail Trail -- north link to Mt. Hancock, then the Ridge Link to South Hancock and return.