Trip report

Peak bag Mts. Whiteface and Passaconaway

Hiking/Walk DATE: 06/12/2010 - 06/12/2010

Trip/Event Location: Wonalancet, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): WalkaboutBrian

Max # People: 10

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: Yes, but I'm not running this; I'm looking for other members to join me

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

THE TRIP DATE HAS CHANGED FROM 6/5 to 6/12 DUE TO A POOR WEATHER FORCAST.  NO OTHER TRIP PLAN DETAILS HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

Peak bag

...
Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

All mileage is somewhat accurate.
Trail Head Parking Lot:
  N43"54.830' W71"21.433'

From Route 93 (93 exit 24 to 3 south to 113 east to 113A to Ferncroft Rd.):  Take exit 24 (Ashland) onto Route 3 south.  Drive 4.5 miles and turn left onto Route 113 east.  Drive 15.3 miles and turn onto Route 113A.  Drive 6.7 miles and turn left onto Ferncroft Road.  Ferncroft Road is broken pavement at first than dirt.  It is just before a white church along the side of a very large grass field.  Drive down Ferncroft Rd. for about a half mile and follow the trail parking signs.

From Route 16 (113 west to 113A to Ferncroft Rd.):  Turn onto Route 113 west in the town of Chocorua.  Drive 2.9 miles and turn right onto Route 113A.  Drive 6.5 miles and turn right onto Ferncroft Road.  Ferncroft Road is broken pavement at first than dirt.  It is just after a white church along the side of a very large grass field.  Drive down Ferncroft Rd. for about a half mile and follow the trail parking signs.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

With some alterations of the original plans we hiked at a moderately fast pace with a few stops along a relatively easy grade trail.   We had rain which remained fair enough for us to stay relatively dry during the hike and see views along the way.   Everyone was well prepared and seemed to enjoy the hike.  And, we enjoyed a social evening at a somewhat local restaurant.

The original date for this hike was postponed due to a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch.  The new trip date also had some weather concerns which forced a modification of the original trip plan.  The trails were wet presenting a high hazard if we were to scale the Blueberry Ledges Trail up the steep ledges of Whiteface Mountain.  An alternate plan to hike the Dicey’s Mill Trail up to Passaconaway Mountain and return the same way was adopted.  The new trip was easier and shorter than originally planned but at least it gave us a chance to get out in the forest and tag a 4K peak.

Seven of us eventually met together at the Ferncroft Road parking area located on beautiful backcountry private land.  There was a light rain and surprisingly many other groups joining together at the lot for hiking.  Our GO group mounted up, had a brief introduction and discussion on the hiking plans, than hit the trail by 9:20.

The trail began by taking us through several private yards for the first half mile.  Walking through these properties was very welcoming with the signs posted in the driveways stating “hikers welcome”.  A special thank you to these landowners for their generosity to the hiking community.  Once we entered the woods the trail remained moderate in grade, quickly entered the Sandwich Range Wilderness, than entered the Bowl Natural Research Area.  The bowl is one of the very few virgin forests left in New Hampshire.  Though this forest was not drastically different than what we normally see in the area several huge White Birch and Beach trees stood out, the largest I have ever saw.  We continued on a moderate trail up until the last mile before the summit where footing became rough through a moderate scramble over rocks.

Just before the summit we reached our first view.  The cloud ceiling was high enough to see most peaks in the vicinity.  We later found the summit of Passaconaway deep in the trees on a small side path than searched around for other views to no avail.  Markus had found a good lunch spot for us on the trail protected from the light drizzle by some thick spruces.  We ate lunch just after noon time than decided to hike the small loop trail below the summit back to Dicey’s Mill Trail.  Immediately after we began our decent we discovered an outstanding view looking east towards Mount Chocoura and the Sisters.  There was another outstanding view looking south towards the lakes region a little further down.  We continued the steep but short decent to Dicey’s Mill Trail than returned to the parking area.

We arrived at the parking area at about 3:30.  We all decided to stop at the Sandwich General Store on the way out to buy local trail maps made by WODC than we headed to the Corner House Inn for an early dinner.  The Inn was closed and Markus gave a suggestion for us to go to The Common Man Restaurant in Ashton.  So we went and had a social dinner and a few beers, Brooks took a quick nap there.  Afterwards we departed.

My apology for the wrong link I posted on the original trip plan for the Wonalancet Out Door Club.  The correct path is: www.wodc.org

Thank you everyone for a great hike!

  There are 18 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

Members That Participated

markus24

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Gilmanton IW, NH


United States
chris19111

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Lexington, MA


United States
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