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Mt. Whiteface
Albany, NH, Sandwich, NH, Waterville Valley, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the Blueberry Ledge Trail
Route: Blueberry Ledge Trail, (Mt. Whiteface ledges), Rollins Trail, (Mt. Whiteface), Rollins Trail, (Mt. Whiteface ledges), Blueberry Ledge Trail
Our plan was to do a leisurely hike up Mt. Chocorua or Mt. Whiteface. On the way to Dunkin Donuts, Mt. Whiteface was out of the clouds, so we made that our destination.
We were surprised to arrive at a nearly full parking lot at Ferncroft. The first portion of the hike, relatively flat as it follows dirt roads, had a dusting of snow at best - though there were some ongoing fluries.
After entering the wilderness area, we had to follow a herd path around a significantly submerged portion of trail - I don't remember the trail having that much water on it two months earlier!
By the time we were at the top of the Blueberry Ledges, there was about an inch of snow on the ground - and two inches once the somewhat steep ascent started after that.
Soon we were at the beginning of the small rock scrambles. The first one wasn't too tricky - but nonetheless not a walk in the park either, as the rock was covered in ice.
As we arrived at the second scramble, we were caught in a traffic jam. There were about half a dozen people at various portions of the scramble - even with traction devices, it was very slippery and had limited hand holds. Just above it, there were a bunch more people waiting for the others.
There were a few more tricky scrambles before we finally arrived at the southern view ledge area. Continuing on, we hit the Rollins Trail and slowly descended to the Kate Sleeper Trail junction - there were significant portions of the trail covered in thick ice.
We were soon at the summit cairn. It was rather windy up above 4,000 feet.
Back at the southern ledges, the views were mixed - decent visibility toward the eastern portion of the Sandwich Range, but very limited toward Winnipesaukee, as a snow squall appeared to be passing through.
The descent was a bit tricky due to the ice, however I found it to be a little bit easier, as many of the icy scrambles could be boot slid.
All in all a nice leisurely early winter hike.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Heavy |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, November 17, 2007 |
| Hike Commenced: |
9:20 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
| Ascent Commenced: |
9:21 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
12:13 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:52 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,020' |
| Distance: |
4.2 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,055' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
3:25 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
06:05 |
| Hike Distance: |
8.4 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,240' |
|
The Blueberry Ledge Trail trailhead at Ferncroft
Looking northeast from Mt. Whiteface toward Mt. Chocorua
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 113A to Wonalancet, then take Ferncroft Road. The trailhead (the road) and parking lot are both on the right next to the pasture.
Back to Mt. Whiteface Profile
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