Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Hancock Notch — Gaps 42.3 Miles SW of Chapman Inn
Grafton County, New Hampshire · USGS Mount Carrigain Quadrangle · GNIS 872003
Within Grafton County, New Hampshire, on the USGS Mount Carrigain quadrangle, the mountain gap known as Hancock Notch sits 42.3 miles southwest of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Grafton County, New Hampshire, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Hancock Notch as a mountain gap on the Mount Carrigain topographic quadrangle (FIPS 33/009), under Feature ID 872003. Catalogued in GNIS since 08/27/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Hancock Notch sits at 44.05590° N, 71.49147° W (DMS 44°03′21″ N, 71°29′29″ W).
Other gaps in Grafton County, New Hampshire
Grafton County, NH contains 10 gaps catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Hancock Notch itself. The ones closest to Hancock Notch:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kancamagus Pass | Mount Carrigain | 2.1 mi |
| Mad River Notch | Mount Osceola | 2.8 mi |
| Livermore Pass | Mount Tripyramid | 4.3 mi |
| Carrigain Notch | Mount Carrigain | 4.8 mi |
| North Slide | Mount Tripyramid | 5.9 mi |
| Thornton Gap | Waterville Valley | 6 mi |
| South Slide | Mount Tripyramid | 7.2 mi |
| Lost Pass | Mount Tripyramid | 8.1 mi |
| Franconia Notch | Franconia | 11.5 mi |
Features on the USGS Mount Carrigain Quadrangle
The Mount Carrigain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 36 catalogued natural features alongside Hancock Notch. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Huntington | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 0.4 mi |
| Mount Hancock | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1.9 mi |
| Kancamagus Pass | Gaps | Grafton County, NH | 2.1 mi |
| Carrigain Pond | Lakes | Grafton County, NH | 2.6 mi |
| Mount Kancamagus | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 3.2 mi |
| Lily Pond | Lakes | Grafton County, NH | 3.2 mi |
| Mount Carrigain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 3.4 mi |
| Signal Ridge | Ridges | Grafton County, NH | 3.5 mi |
| Meadow Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 3.9 mi |
| Crystal Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 4.1 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing SW out of Bethel for 42.3 miles (southwest) and you reach Hancock Notch; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 73 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through October; avoid black-fly peak in late May. At this latitude (44.056°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 42.3 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Hancock Notch track the nearby Mount Huntington summit (0.4 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Hancock Notch
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Huntington | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 0.4 mi |
| Mount Hancock | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1.9 mi |
| Kancamagus Pass | Gaps | Grafton County, NH | 2.1 mi |
| South Fork Hancock Branch | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 2.3 mi |
| North Fork Hancock Branch | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 2.3 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hancock Notch located?
Hancock Notch is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, approximately 42.3 miles southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Mount Carrigain topographic quadrangle.
How far is Hancock Notch from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 73 minutes, 42.3 miles southwest (bearing SW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Hancock Notch?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Hancock Notch as a mountain gap, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 872003 on the Mount Carrigain quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Hancock Notch?
Late May through October; avoid black-fly peak in late May.
How many other gaps are in Grafton County, New Hampshire?
GNIS lists 9 other gaps in Grafton County, New Hampshire.