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This lollipop trail climbs to the summit of Hancock and South Hancock, two of the New Hampshire 4,000 footers.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.2

KM

Point to Point

4,401' 1,341 m

High

2,757' 840 m

Low

1,879' 573 m

Up

1,239' 378 m

Down

18%

Avg Grade (10°)

72%

Max Grade (36°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Description

The loop can be done in either direction. My recommendation would be to do the loop clockwise, as the northern summit section has a steeper ascent, which is easier going uphill. The loose footing on the south side is less of an issue going down.

However, going counterclockwise, the trail ascends moderately at first and then steeply up the face of South Hancock. Some loose rock makes footing slightly difficult in places. This section tops out at the summit of South Hancock. There is a viewpoint about 15 yards beyond the summit out to the east.

The middle section is mostly flat with small ups and downs, with some mud in sections. The trail ascends moderately toward the summit of Hancock.

Continuing straight past the summit, there is a viewpoint approximately 40 yards down trail looking west. From the summit, the trail wraps around the southern aspect of the summit and then descends steeply. There is better footing on this side of the loop. The descent continues into a dry creek bed, followed by a short descent back to the junction with Cedar Brook Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Arnold with improvements by Adam Shutes

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 9 votes

#8048

Overall
  4.3 from 9 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#178

in New Hampshire

#8,048

Overall
21 Views Last Month
1,992 Since May 24, 2016
Difficult Difficult

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Photos

From the viewpoint of the South Hancock summit.
Aug 23, 2017 near Livermore, NH
View from almost at south peak.
Nov 14, 2020 near Livermore, NH
Slightly snowy at the top.
Nov 14, 2020 near Livermore, NH
Rocks and slippery snowy trail.
Nov 14, 2020 near Livermore, NH
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 11, 2024
D Matter
Jul 27, 2024
Dave Breault
Nice long and flat entry from Kanc. Lots of roots and great water available. Tough slog the last 1/4 mile up North Hancock thru Gravel and loose ro… 9.8mi — 5h 10m
Feb 5, 2021
NH Hiker95
Moderate to the split, downright hazardous either way to either summit. Extremely steep with bad footing. Beautiful evergreen walk up top.
Nov 14, 2020
Adam Shutes
Beginning of snow season 10mi — 4h 50m
Sep 12, 2020
Jamie Marshall
Jul 21, 2020
Sharon H.
The trail was dry, but pretty treacherous. Given all the loose scree, we went up the north side and down the extremely degraded and steep south side. 3.3mi — 2h 30m
Jun 10, 2020
Ian Kenison
W/Jeff — 5h 25m
Nov 9, 2019
Chase Hall
9.1mi
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