Mt. Whiteface

Whether your goal is to hike one a year or all 48 in a season, summiting the 48 4,000-foot mountains in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) has become a bucket list item for hikers of all ages. Created in 1957, this list encourages hikers to explore some of the less known and more remote places in the WMNF. Once you hike all 48, you can apply to join AMC’s 4,000-Footer Club. If you plan to hike one or all of the New Hampshire 48, it’s important to first make a plan and remember that this achievement takes time and patience, and is absolutely worth the reward.

Finishing this list is a personal journey that can take one year or a life time.  Bob took the long meandering approach of banging of peaks throughout the years.  His partner John logs all their hikes and realized Bob was in striking distance of the GOAL.  Bob got FIRED UP this year with an extra dose of determination, grit and enthusiasm to achieve this epic hiking mile stone!

On this fateful epic day an enthusiastic group of Gay Outdoors hiking buddies gathered at 8am Saturday morning at the trailhead for Whiteface.  Our group got noticed by other hikers in the parking lot.  We were unusually loud, happy and glad to all be sharing this great day with Bob.  The other hikers arriving took some pics of us and congradulated Bob as well.

The hike up the Blueberry Ledges went like clock work as this seasoned gnarly group of guys was motivated to get to the top.  With pumping hearts and cardio systems on overload we powered thru endless rock stair cases, steep pitches and finally to the granite ledges.  Beads of sweat glistened our faces with smiling positive attitudes powering us opward.

At 11:55 am our good friend Bob made it the summit cairn!  We all hollored, clapped and congradulated him.  It took 48 years to knock off all 48 summits.  Years of gazing upon epic beauty, endless vistas, golden sunrises, purple majesty of memorable sunsets and wonderful bonds of friendship made.  Working on this list changes your life so positively in a physical and spiritual way.  

After the hike we made our way to Sugarhill.  Bob's partner John stayed home to get their place ready for a wonderfrul dinner on the deck with views of his beautiful gardens, plants and willows gracing the sides of the pond with mountains in the distance.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!!

About the Hike:
This hike is about 8 miles long with a total elevation gain of about 2800 ft.  It is one of the NH “Terrifying 25”!  We will hike at a moderate pace with plenty of breaks to enjoy the abundant scenery. The hike will take about 7-8 hours including lunch on the summit. (We might also add Mt. Passaconaway per hiker preference).

Standing in the center of the Sandwich Range, Mt. Whiteface is one of the shortest White Mountain 4000-footers. The open ledges on its south peak provide fabulous views into the Lakes Region and across the great cirque known as The Bowl. It is popular for its distant views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. Although fir trees restrict views from the south summit, unblocked views in the same and other directions may be obtained from various viewpoints on the trailside ledges. They are best reached by the rugged Blueberry Ledge Trail, a climb which involves several difficult ledge scrambles. The Blueberry Ledge Trail starts from the Ferncroft parking area.

This will be my 48th mountain of the 48 NH 4000 footers.  My first NH 4000 footer climbed was Mt. Washington in September 1975 (48 years ago)!

After the hike, we will have an après hike social/potuck at my house near Franconia, NH.  Take a hot shower, enjoy your favorite beverage on the deck & enjoy the mountain views or take a swim in the pond!

Hikers are also invited to stay over on Friday and/or Saturday evening, if desired. There are plenty of beds available and also camping available down by the private pond.