Whiteface and Passaconaway Snowshoe Loop

On Saturday, March 10th, Kevin, Martin and myself met up around 8:40AM at the trailhead parking in Wonalancet.  Despite the early morning snow, the skies were beginning to clear and it was mildly cold, but okay.  Just before 9AM we headed up the road for the Blueberry Ledge Trail.  Given the unseasonable warmth during the previous week, Martin and I just put on microspikes...Kevin strapped his snowshoes on his pack just in case (who knew he'd be the smart one of the group!).

We started up the Blueberry Ledge Trail and quickly turned onto the Cut-Off Trail.  The path was mostly unbroken, but there were 2 other guys ahead of us who were laying out the route (unfortunately, they too didn't think that snowshoes would be needed with all the assumed melt during the week).  Anyway, it wasn't all that bad, but there was an average of 4-5 inches of snow with some localized deep pockets of snow.  We reached the main Blueberry Ledge Trail again by 10:15, where there was also a nice opening with views southward over the lakes region.  We continued and while the trail became more agressive in its steepness, the snowcover thinned.  The steep grade persisted up to the first of many open ledges (the first one was west-facing with a seriously overcast view) and at times the pitch reached about 40-45 degrees.  Not surprisingly, there was an accumulation of ice built up on the rocks, but the trail was manageable.  Finally just before noon we reached the upper ledges with excellent views east over to Chocorua and Passaconaway.  After this a curtain of clouds obscurred the views for a time and by 12:15 we arrived at the false summit.  This was also the start of the Rollins Trail.  Continuing along the ridge we arrived at the true summit about 30 minutes later.

After the Whiteface summit (4020'), the trail was totally unbroken...it appeared that noone had been on it for some time.  Kevin put his snowshoes on and led the way, this still didn't prevent Martin and I from the occasional deep posthole.  We persisted and about a third of the way over to Passaconaway we ran into 2 guys breaking trail in the opposite direction.  This helped a little, but the postholing continued until the ridge descended in elevation.  Here it started to get better.  At about 1:30 we finally took a much needed break for lunch.  We continued descending along the ridge and by 2:50 we made it to the trail junction with the Dicey's Mill Trail.  We turned up to the summit of Passaconaway.  This trail was moderate in grade with only a few steep stretches...there were a number of switchbacks that helped control the grade.  We emerged out onto an open ledge with nice views to the west and north (the Tripyramids and Waterville Valley Ski Area were prominate), and by  about 3:30 we finally summited Passaconaway (4043').  After a short time on its treed summit we started to head back...this time taking the Dicey's Mill Trail all the way back to the trailhead parking.  This trail was pretty easy going and we reached our cars again by 6PM...just as the sun began to set.

Afterwards we headed to Chequers Villa in Tamworth for a nice meal before calling it a day (and who would have guessed that Chequers was named for the board game!  Not me, since I was thinking it was some French word!).  It was a wonderful day out with good views and great companionship...Thanks, Kevin and Martin for joining me on this stre-venturous hike!  By the way, this is Kevin's new word for a strenuous and adventurous outing!

Join me for this 11.5-mile snowshoe over the summits of Mts. Whiteface (4020') and Passaconaway (4043').  While these peaks are rather low on the 4000-footer list they offer ample views into the surrounding wilderness and peaks.  On a clear day you will have vistas to the south from Whiteface's ledges, into the old-growth "Bowl" and northward to Mt. Washington.  There will be additional views along the ridge and off of Mt. Passaconaway.  We will be hiking the circuit in a clockwise manner...ascending via the Blueberry Ledge Trail to Whiteface and descending off of Passaconaway by way of the Dicey's Mill Trail.  NOTE:  Snowshoes and/or additional traction will be required, depending on conditions.  There are moderately steep sections of smooth granite and a few rock scrambles, which will likely still be iced over at a minimum. 

This hike has a cumulative elevation gain of about 4350 feet.

What to wear/bring:  Snowshoes may be required and should be adequate for most of the hike.  Additional traction (microspikes, crampons, etc.) may be necessary on some of the steeper sections.  Wear warm clothing suitable for the exposed ledge(s) and summit(s)...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated boots suitable for the season.  Additionally, consider bringing face protection and a headlamp/flashlight...just in case.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  This hike should be completed by 5:30PM.  We will cap off the day with drinks and dinner at a relatively local establishment, if there is sufficient interest.