North and South Hancocks in mid-November
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Stephen Duly, Reid Gilman
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001LCLl
Audience: Everyone
Description: Join us for a mid-Autumn hike to North and South Hancock.
The Hancocks are both NH48 4,000-footers and stand at over 4,400 and 4,300 feet, respectively. The hiking distance will be ~9 miles (round trip) with ~2,500ft of elevation gain.
Sections of the ascent and descent are very steep and notably suffer from severe erosion. These sections are not trivial and may be even more difficult if wet or icy. See below for recommendations and requirements.
We estimate the trip will take between 6 and 8 hours depending on actual conditions encountered. Plan on a full day of shoulder-season hiking at a moderate pace. We cannot guarantee a finish time.
Sunset on the date of the trip will be shortly after 4pm so there is a chance that we will finish the hike using headlamps.
This hike is intended for experienced hikers with the fitness and gear appropriate for the potential winter-like conditions. Applicants should have completed hikes of comparable distances and elevation gain within the past few months.
Mid-November weather in the White Mountains is notoriously unpredictable. Participants should be prepared to use light traction (e.g., Microspikes or equivalent) or possibly mountaineering snowshoes.
Please note that waterproof jacket and pants are required. As are headlamps and weather-appropriate layered clothing. Heated water in insulated bottles is recommended in place of hydration bladders this time of year.
Participants should be prepared to wear insulated hiking boots (200g equivalent or warmer). Leaders will require insulated boots if the forecasted temperatures are at or below freezing (32°F/0°C).
To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, poor trail conditions, or excessive crowding, the planned destination, activity, meeting place, or time may be modified. In such cases, participants may choose to join the revised activity or opt out.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!