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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
Since it was Festivus, I decided to get out of work a few hours early and perform a Feat of Strength. My original plan was to do something tame, however I decided to do Whiteface and Passaconaway instead.
Arriving at an empty Ferncroft parking lot, I donned my snowshoes immediately and was soon done with the roadwalk. Other than some postholes, the Blueberry Ledge Trail was in pretty good shape for snowshoeing. While I was feeling pretty low on energy for a few miles, things finally started to click upon nearing the scramble ledges. The big scramble with the drill holes in it was covered in snow. The one immediately above it, though, was a bit tricky and, as I have in years past, I used my ice axe to pull myself up it.
Reaching the southern ledges, I could see snowshowers to the southwest - reason not to linger! After a quick stop at the summit along the Rollins Trail, I continued on the packed Rollins Trail to Mt. Passaconaway - one of those sections of trail in which the destination doesn't seem to get any closer.
Reaching the summit, I was happy to see some great colors forming with the sunset - though, it was a bit south of the near summit viewpoint. Thus, after reaching the highpoint, I returned to an on-trail view and had a nice display as the sun set into the clouds. Thinking it was over, I started down. Nearing the old shelter trail junction, I witnessed a brief display of reds and purples - unfortunately, I was nowhere near a vista for this minute or two of color.
The rest of the hike dragged on, as I was breaking in a second pair of winter boots with a bit of pain. Nonetheless, I was able to make it all the way back to Ferncroft without turning on my headlamp, thanks to the hardwood forest and snowcover.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Mt. Passaconaway |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
12:18 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Whiteface |
| Ascent Commenced: |
12:18 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
2:31 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:13 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
1,140' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,020' |
| Distance: |
4.2 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,055' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Passaconaway |
| Ascent Commenced: |
2:32 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
3:55 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:23 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
4,020' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,043' |
| Distance: |
3.1 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
863' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
5:45 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
05:27 |
| Hike Distance: |
11.9 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
4,038' |
|
The Blueberry Ledge Trail trailhead at Ferncroft
Looking at the Osceolas from near the south peak of Mt. Whiteface
The Dicey Mill Trail to Mt. Passaconaway
A snowbow over the Sleepers, next to the Tripyramids, as seen from near the summit of Mt. Passaconaway
The sunset over Sandwich Dome as seen from near the summit of Mt. Passaconaway
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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