NH4K - North & South Hancock (INTERMEDIATE)
Details
Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932
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Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all of the questions that are part of the RSVP process. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.
If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk so consider this before you decide to participate.
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What We're Doing...
The plan is to climb two of the NH 4,000 Footers - North Hancock (#21 @ 4,420') and South Hancock (#26 @ 4,319'). We will use the Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, and then travel counter-clockwise along the Hancock Loop Trail to go to North Hancock first and then South Hancock. This trip will enter the Pemigewasset Wilderness so group size is limited to ten people by the Wilderness Protection Act.
Use this link for more information about the summits and trails:
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/21-Mt-Hancock-4420--26-South-Hancock-4319
Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the group.
Dogs are permitted - be sure to bring a leash in case you need to use it and a copy of their current rabies vaccination.
Trip Summary...
On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) trip we will hike about 9.6 miles and climb about 3,600 feet. It should take an average hiker about 6 hours 30 minutes to complete this trip. This event is considered to be INTERMEDIATE because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions - there is no guarantee we will complete the entire event as described here.
We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you.
You need to become self-reliant by learning about the route and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
What to Bring...
Even though there is still snow in the mountains I doubt that we will need snow shoes but you will want to bring microspikes or hillsounds. I will update the this a few days before the hike when I know more about what we can expect to encounter out on the trails.
Use this link for a list of items needed for a winter day hike:
• http://files.meetup.com/492954/Three_Season_Dayhike_gear_list.pdf
Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.
Weather...
Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants.
Use this link for the current weather forecast:
• http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-71.49242&lat=44.08333#.U10brNyMp_Y
Directions
We will meet in the parking lot on the south side of Route 112 just east of the hairpin turn between Lincoln and Conway. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 141 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 18 minutes to drive there.
Use this link for customizable driving directions:
While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses (gas and tolls).
Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.