Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway - Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey’s Mill Trail - 9-19-2024

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, NH

	Trails:	Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey’s Mill Trail

	Date of Hike:	Thursday, September 19, 2024

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Plenty of room at the Ferncroft lot at around 8:30AM. This lot can fill up early on a nice weekend day. There are many signs restricting parking on access roads to the lot. There is a porta-potty at the lot. To reach the Blueberry Ledge or Dicey's Mill trails you must walk back up the access road and turn right on Ferncroft Road. There are signs to find the trails.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail

	Recommended Equipment:

	Water Crossing Notes:	The crossing of the east branch of the Wonalancet River on the Dicey's Mill Trail was easy on rocks and sand in mid-stream. The water level is low. There is a log spanning the brook that is frequently used when the water levels are higher.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	Trails in great condition. No obstructions. The only tree intruding into the pathway was a tree on the Rollins Trail not far from the junction with the Dicey's Mill Trail. It was an upended birch that extended halfway into the trail. Plenty of room to slip by. The rock steps on the Dicey's Mill Trail were impressive. Great job by the WODC.

	Dog-Related Notes:	Dogs may have difficulties with the steep ledges on the Blueberry Ledge Trail. In the past, I met a man who had to assist his large dog over the worst of the ledges.

	Bugs:	Heard a few flying insects buzzing by.

	Lost and Found:


	Comments:	Thankfully, the surfaces on the steep ledges on the Blueberry Ledge Trail were dry. I would not want to hike the Blueberry Ledge Trail in wet or icy conditions. If you are uncomfortable with heights or steep ledges you may want to consider an alternative route to Mt Whiteface. The most difficult section is near the beginning of the ledge stretch where the wood steps were removed quite some time ago (you can see the holes in the rock where the steps used to be). There is a crack in the rock surface to the left of these holes that facilitate the footing over this steep rock. In other places you will find some helpful natural hand holds in the rock. Be aware, the large rock ledge on the Blueberry Ledge Trail is not the summit of Mt Whiteface. There are great views of the NH lake region from this ledge so plan to take a break at this point. You must hike 0.3 miles on the Rollins Trail to reach the treed summit marked by 4 or 5 good sized rocks at the side of the trail. The Rollins Trail is comparatively easy with only some small ledges and minor ups on the descent. There are a few overlooks of the Basin to the side of the Rollins Trail. Turn left on the Dicey's Mill Trail to reach Mt Passaconaway with an 800 foot elevation gain. At first the trail is easy over ledges, rock steps, and a series of log placed across the trail to mitigate erosion. The upper part of the ascent to Mt Passaconaway is generally rougher and steeper. The actual summit is on a short side trail at the junction of Dicey's Mill and Walden trails. There is no longer any cairn to mark the summit. There is a western outlook on the Dicey's Mill Trail just before reaching the summit spur. There is an eastern outlook on a large ledge just off the Walden Trail near the summit. The distant peaks that I could see from these outlooks were in haze so I decided not to go to the great northern outlook (signed side trail off the Walden Trail). The Dicey's Mill Trail between the brook crossing and the Rollins Trail has great footing due to the excellent rock stairs. Hiked most of the Rollins Trail with Jacques R from Pelham who I had met on N Twin trail 9/5/24. Also, met hikers from Albany NH, Rochester NY, Manchester NH, and Dover NH. Some fall leaf color.

	Name:	WAUMBEK

	E-Mail:	WAUMBEK@Roadrunner.com

	Date Submitted:	2024-09-19

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.