Peak bag Mts. Whiteface and Passaconaway

With some alterations of the original plans we hiked at a moderately fast pace with a few stops along a relatively easy grade trail.   We had rain which remained fair enough for us to stay relatively dry during the hike and see views along the way.   Everyone was well prepared and seemed to enjoy the hike.  And, we enjoyed a social evening at a somewhat local restaurant.

The original date for this hike was postponed due to a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch.  The new trip date also had some weather concerns which forced a modification of the original trip plan.  The trails were wet presenting a high hazard if we were to scale the Blueberry Ledges Trail up the steep ledges of Whiteface Mountain.  An alternate plan to hike the Dicey’s Mill Trail up to Passaconaway Mountain and return the same way was adopted.  The new trip was easier and shorter than originally planned but at least it gave us a chance to get out in the forest and tag a 4K peak.

Seven of us eventually met together at the Ferncroft Road parking area located on beautiful backcountry private land.  There was a light rain and surprisingly many other groups joining together at the lot for hiking.  Our GO group mounted up, had a brief introduction and discussion on the hiking plans, than hit the trail by 9:20.

The trail began by taking us through several private yards for the first half mile.  Walking through these properties was very welcoming with the signs posted in the driveways stating “hikers welcome”.  A special thank you to these landowners for their generosity to the hiking community.  Once we entered the woods the trail remained moderate in grade, quickly entered the Sandwich Range Wilderness, than entered the Bowl Natural Research Area.  The bowl is one of the very few virgin forests left in New Hampshire.  Though this forest was not drastically different than what we normally see in the area several huge White Birch and Beach trees stood out, the largest I have ever saw.  We continued on a moderate trail up until the last mile before the summit where footing became rough through a moderate scramble over rocks.

Just before the summit we reached our first view.  The cloud ceiling was high enough to see most peaks in the vicinity.  We later found the summit of Passaconaway deep in the trees on a small side path than searched around for other views to no avail.  Markus had found a good lunch spot for us on the trail protected from the light drizzle by some thick spruces.  We ate lunch just after noon time than decided to hike the small loop trail below the summit back to Dicey’s Mill Trail.  Immediately after we began our decent we discovered an outstanding view looking east towards Mount Chocoura and the Sisters.  There was another outstanding view looking south towards the lakes region a little further down.  We continued the steep but short decent to Dicey’s Mill Trail than returned to the parking area.

We arrived at the parking area at about 3:30.  We all decided to stop at the Sandwich General Store on the way out to buy local trail maps made by WODC than we headed to the Corner House Inn for an early dinner.  The Inn was closed and Markus gave a suggestion for us to go to The Common Man Restaurant in Ashton.  So we went and had a social dinner and a few beers, Brooks took a quick nap there.  Afterwards we departed.

My apology for the wrong link I posted on the original trip plan for the Wonalancet Out Door Club.  The correct path is: www.wodc.org

Thank you everyone for a great hike!

THE TRIP DATE HAS CHANGED FROM 6/5 to 6/12 DUE TO A POOR WEATHER FORCAST.  NO OTHER TRIP PLAN DETAILS HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

Peak bag Mounts Whiteface and Passaconaway.  Two 4K mountains in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains.  Be prepared for a challenging hike with steep scrambles and some distance.  Poor weather will postpone this hike.

Difficulty: Strenuous (terrain, elevation, endurance)
Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: roughly 3680 feet
Hiking Pace: Steady with necessary hydration and scenic spot stops
Start Time: 9:00am


The Mountains

Both Mt. Whiteface (4020 feet) and Mt. Passaconaway (4043 feet) are mountains on the NH 48 4K list.  They  are located in the southern part of the White Mountains within the Sandwich Range.  Though these mountains have less elevation than the majority of the other 4K mountains they offer a good strenuous day climb.  A feature on the trip includes a hike along a ridgeline which follows the top of the Bowl Natural Area.  This cirque, which is formed from both mountains, has never been logged.  Both summits are wooded and offer some views.  There are other opportunities for views during the hike.

Our Route

From the Ferncroft Road parking lot we will hike the Blueberry Ledge Trail to the ledges of Mt. Whiteface (3.9mi.).  There will be several steep scrambles along this route with some having steps drilled into the rock.  We will continue along the Blueberry Ledge Trail than the Rollins Trail, passing the Mt. Whiteface summit, to Dicey's Mill Trail (2.5mi.).  Here we will turn left and hike Dicey's  Mill Trail and the East Loop Trail to summit Mt. Passaconaway than backtrack to the Blueberry Ledge/ Dicey's Mill junction (1.6mi. total).  There is some steep and rough trail along this stretch.  We will descend the Dicey's Mill Trail which has a moderate grade and good footing back to the parking lot (4.6mi.).

What To Bring

Sturdy and trail tested hiking shoes are a must.  Avoid the use of cotton clothing.  Jeans will not be permitted on the hike.  Bring plenty of water (suggest at least 2 liters), a lunch, and high energy snacks.   Bug spray recommended.

Misc. Trip Notes

Pockets of snow may still exist though the majority of these trails are on south facing slopes.
There is no parking fee.  The parking area is on private land and maintained by the Wonalancet Out Door Club.  Check out: www.wnoc.org
There are a few springs along the trail, dependability unknown.  Bring enough water for the entire trip.