Whiteface and Passaconaway Loop Hike

At 8AM on November 23rd, Dave, Mark and I met up at the trailhead off of Ferncroft Road in Wonalancet.  It was a beautiful morning with a chill in the air, but sunny skies.  We got ready and started up the road to the Blueberry Ridge Trail.

The trail is modest in grade for the first couple of miles and then it steepened as we had to ascent up steep rocky ledges.  It was a little challenging in spots, but was decent enough even without additional traction.  By this point wonderful views opened up from the various ledges across the way to Mt. Passaconaway and the very distinctive Mt. Chocorua.  There were also views to the south toward the lakes.  We reached the false summit of Whiteface by 11:25AM and in another 15 minutes we were standing on the summit...which was completely in the trees.

Continuing on we descended off of the summit and began to look for a spot out of the wind for lunch.  Even with the protection of the trees, the wind was bitingly cold.  At about 12:15 we took a long deserved break in the col between the two mountains.  Just sitting there for lunch we were getting cold again, so we kept it reasonably short and before long we proceeded along the trail to the junction with the Dicey's Mill Trail.  We reached this point by 1:15PM.  We headed up to the summit of Mt. Passaconaway, which was only about 0.9 miles.  The trail was very icey, but in no time we reached the ledge just below the summit, where there were views over to the Tripyramids.  The clouds from the west were starting to envelope the peaks, but the views were still good.  We reached the summit (which is also completely treed in) by 2PM.  It was again pretty cold up here, so we didn't stay very long and instead turned around and headed back down...taking the Dicey's Mill Trail all the way back to the trailhead.  This trail had a very modest grade and we made decent time returning to the trailhead by a little past 4PM.  It had flurried for a short time on the way down, but we made it back while there was still plenty of light.

Afterwards we headed over to Chequers Villa in Tamworth for a drinks and nice meal before we called it a day.

This was another wonderful pre-winter hike with good views and great companionship.  A big thanks to Mark and Dave for joining me on this outting...you guys made it a great day!

Join me for this 11.5-mile hike over the summits of Mts. Whiteface (4020') and Passaconaway (4043').  While these peaks are rather low on the 4000-footer list they offer ample views into the surrounding wilderness and peaks.  On a clear day you will have vistas to the south from Whiteface's ledges, into the old-growth "Bowl" and northward to Mt. Washington.  There will be additional views along the ridge and off of Mt. Passaconaway.  We will be hiking the circuit in a clockwise manner...ascending via the Blueberry Ledge Trail to Whiteface and descending off of Passaconaway by way of the Dicey's Mill Trail.  There are moderately steep sections of smooth granite and a few rock scrambles ascending Whiteface, otherwise the trails are modest in grade. 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  11.5 miles with approximately 4350 feet in accumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  9 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 

Rain or harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, a windbreaker/raingear and extra layers (e.g. fleece)...or winter jacket/parka depending on forecasted conditions.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.  Note:  Pack your headlamp, just in case. 

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area.