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|
Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway
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 up the Blueberry Ledge Trail
Route: Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, (Mt. Whiteface), Rollins Trail, Dicey Mill Trail, (Mt. Passaconaway), Dicey Mill Trail
An April loop of Whiteface Passaconaway with warm temperatures. Perhaps not the brightest idea ever. Nonetheless, it was a short drive.
The first portion of the hike went fairly quickly - there was barely any snow or mud all the way up to and past the Blueberry Ledges. Just below them, I saw some of the first wildflowers of the year. Things slowed a bit, after that, as there was blowdown removal work to be done.
As I neared the Wiggin junction, snow and ice increased. Fortunately, the scramble ledges were mostly dry.
Though hazy, the views from Mt. Whiteface's southern ledges were nonetheless nice. With temperatures soaring, the light to moderate winds were appreciated.
Now on the Rollins Trail, conditions started to get tricky. After passing the highpoint of Mt. Whiteface, which was still about 5 feet lower than an adjacent snow drift, the snow monorail became quite hard to follow. One wrong step, one big posthole. Lots of old postholes with some tricky ice bulges.
Finally at the Dicey Mill Trail, conditions were a little bit better. Reaching the summit, I headed over to the eastern viewpoint for additional views.
The descent went slowly at first, however as the snow disappeared (even before the water crossing), it was easier going. Temperatures in the valley were quite high - just about 90 degrees! Spring?
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Passaconaway |
|
Length: |
Difficult |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Moderate |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, April 25, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
8:52 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
| Ascent Commenced: |
8:52 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
11:23 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:31 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,020' |
| Distance: |
4.2 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,055' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Passaconaway |
| Ascent Commenced: |
11:23 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
1:29 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:06 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
4,020' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,043' |
| Distance: |
3.1 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
863' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
3:41 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
06:49 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
4,053' |
|
The Blueberry Ledge Trail trailhead at Ferncroft
A wildflower on the Blueberry Ledge Trail
Looking toward Squam Lake from the southern ledges of Mt. Whiteface
The Rollins Trail from Mt. Whiteface to Mt. Passaconaway
Looking at the Franconia Ridge from near the Mt. Passaconaway summit
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
Back to Mt. Passaconaway Profile
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