Hancock Branch — Streams 46.5 Miles WSW of Chapman Inn
Grafton County, New Hampshire · USGS Mount Osceola Quadrangle · GNIS 872001
46.5 miles west-southwest of Chapman Inn, on the USGS Mount Osceola topographic quadrangle, Hancock Branch is a stream recorded in Grafton County, New Hampshire by the federal Geographic Names Information System.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
The USGS Mount Osceola 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle places Hancock Branch in Grafton County, New Hampshire (FIPS 33/009), classified as a stream in the federal GNIS (Feature ID 872001). Catalogued in GNIS since 08/27/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Hancock Branch sits at 44.06201° N, 71.59675° W (DMS 44°03′43″ N, 71°35′48″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 44.03528° N, 71.52889° W (DMS 44°02′07″ N, 71°31′44″ W) — useful for anglers and paddlers tracing the upstream end.
Other streams in Grafton County, New Hampshire
Grafton County, NH contains 89 streams catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Hancock Branch itself. The ones closest to Hancock Branch:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Brook | Mount Osceola | 1.2 mi |
| Boyle Brook | Lincoln | 1.5 mi |
| Loon Pond Brook | Lincoln | 2.4 mi |
| Birch Island Brook | Mount Osceola | 2.8 mi |
| Franconia Branch | Mount Osceola | 2.9 mi |
| Pollard Brook | Lincoln | 2.9 mi |
| Pine Brook | Mount Osceola | 3.1 mi |
| Cheney Brook | Mount Osceola | 3.6 mi |
| Cedar Brook | Mount Osceola | 3.6 mi |
| South Fork Hancock Branch | Mount Osceola | 3.9 mi |
Features on the USGS Mount Osceola Quadrangle
The Mount Osceola 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 30 catalogued natural features alongside Hancock Branch. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mountain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1 mi |
| Potash Knob | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| Clear Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 1.2 mi |
| Whaleback Mountain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 2.1 mi |
| North Peak | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 2.2 mi |
| Loon Mountain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 2.2 mi |
| Scar Ridge | Ridges | Grafton County, NH | 2.3 mi |
| Ice Pond | Lakes | Grafton County, NH | 2.8 mi |
| Birch Island Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 2.8 mi |
| Franconia Branch | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 2.9 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Chapman Inn sits 46.5 miles west-southwest (bearing WSW) of Hancock Branch. At moderate back-road speeds the drive runs about 80 minutes — comfortably inside a half-day outing window after breakfast.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. At this latitude (44.062°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 46.5 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Hancock Branch track the nearby Black Mountain summit (1.0 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Hancock Branch
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mountain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1 mi |
| Potash Knob | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 1.1 mi |
| Clear Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 1.2 mi |
| Boyle Brook | Streams | Grafton County, NH | 1.5 mi |
| Whaleback Mountain | Summits | Grafton County, NH | 2.1 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hancock Branch located?
Hancock Branch is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, approximately 46.5 miles west-southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Mount Osceola topographic quadrangle.
How far is Hancock Branch from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 80 minutes, 46.5 miles west-southwest (bearing WSW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Hancock Branch?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Hancock Branch as a stream, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 872001 on the Mount Osceola quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Hancock Branch?
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible.
How many other streams are in Grafton County, New Hampshire?
GNIS lists 88 other streams in Grafton County, New Hampshire.