Hancock Mountain (4,380') and South Hancock Mountain (4,278')

MOUNTAIN ASH

It turns out quieting is not a way

to deaden sound or wait for

something to happen, you can ask 

bohemian waxwings, they get it

their quiet awakeness will carry us

through winter’s coming months

as they alight on a branch of mountain
ash to eat its berry-like pomes

thin and sour, but brightening now

against September’s yellowing leaves

 

  Summit of Hancock Mountain (sign credits: Ami Garcia Kuper)

 Summit of South Hancock Mountain (sign credits: Ami Garcia Kuper)

 
Mountain Ash

Hike level: Moderate
Location: Lincoln, NH
Driving distance from Boston: About 2.25 hours  
Cost: FREE to hike

Description: Hancock Mountain and South Hancock Mountain can be hiked together. Start at the Hancock Notch Trail, connect to the Cedar Brook Trail, then the Hancock Loop Trail to North Hancock. Walk the Ridge to the South Peak then finish the loop back to the same route. The hike is 9.8 miles with 2,700' elevation gain.