What a beautiful, clear sunny day. Temps were in the mid 50's. No snow shoes or winter jackets. Just microspikes and a shell most of the day. Tony and I hit I-93 and headed North to Whites to do North and South Hancock (4,420 & 4,278).
We had expected a lot of the snow to be gone. We were wrong. The beginning of the trail had spots of snow here and there but as we got further down the trail and into the higher elevations, we ran into 2-4' of snow. Due to the warming weather, the entire hike was like walking on beach sand for 10 miles. Not very enjoyable, but I suppose any day in the woods is better than sitting in the office.
The monorail was high, but very soft. We were both constantly falling off it and ended up post holing, sometimes very deep. At one point I sunk in, both legs, thigh high. This hike was a nightmare. We made it but it made me decide not to hike the Whites for a few more weeks. I love winter hiking, but this soft/beach sand style snow is not for me.
Hancock Notch Trailhead
No snow at the start
It didn't take long to run into snow
Second stream crossing - there were many of these some very wide and deep
Me after a stream crossing
One of many post holes
Cedar Brook Trail Sign
One of the bigger stream crossings
Hancock Loop Trail Sign
The entire hike was like this all day
Tony trying not to get wet
First view - Summit of North Hancock
We went to South Peak first
Summit of North Hancock to the right
I think this is Lafayette, Lincoln and Haystack
Sign at the summit of South Hancock
The only view from South Hancock
Closer view of Lafayette, Lincoln and Haystack
South Hancock to the far right - False peak in the middle
North Hancock Summit Brews!
Much better views from the summit of North Hancock
Tony @ the summit of North Hancock
Me @ the summit of North Hancock
The finish line - we were glad this one was over
Standing on the Kancamagus Highway
10 mile GPS track
GPS track of the summits. North to the left
Summit of South Hancock: 4,420'
Summit of North Hancock: 4,278'
Total hike time:7h 12m
Distance: 10m
Elevation Gain: 3138'
Trails: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
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