Hike planning advice for Whiteface

[gaiagirl]

Hi everyone. I'm working on the NH48 alone at this point and have completed almost all of the southern tier peaks with the exception of Whiteface. I summitted Passaconaway only a couple of weeks ago but did it from the Kanc mostly because I am just not familiar with the area of the more standard route which approaches Whiteface first then Passaconaway via Blueberry Ledge Trail to Rollins to Dicey's Mill Trail (possibly???). I admit that I have a horrible sense of direction and am intimidated by the succession of trails here in an area that I am clueless about. I mean, I literally do not know how to get to the trailhead for Blueberry Ledge. So, does anyone have any advice as to how I should go about hiking up to Whiteface? I could throw in Passaconaway again if it's just as easy, it doesn't matter too much to me most days unless I get a late start --- I'm pretty speedy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! And my apologies ahead of time for my ignorance/confusion. Hoping some of you will help me to learn a little bit at a time .

 

[Jasonst]

If you don't have one already, I would suggest getting an AMC White mountain guide. It contains all the info you will need to get to Ferncroft. Good luck

 

[gaiagirl]

Thanks or the reply

I have an AMC Guide, but i must admit it doesn't always help a whole bunch. That's how directionally challenged I am, which is why I was hoping for some input and advice. Thanks for the feedback. Now if I could just take a remedial map and compass course!!!

 

[David Metsky]

Here's a map of the trailhead road. Just zoom out and follow the roads. The trailhead parking lot is just opposite the word Ferncroft.

-dave-

 

[MichaelJ]

Whiteface is easier to get to then it seems. The warnings in the book are a touch overrated. You want what is called the Ferncroft parking area. It's easy to get to - take I-93 north to the Ashland Rte 25 exit. Go east past the Mobil station and Dunkin Donuts, through the center of town past the Common Man. You will come to Rte 113 and you should turn left and stay on that road in an easterly direction. You'll go past the Science Center and come into a village called Center Sandwich (Sandwich Notch Road enters on the left). Shortly thereafter, signed, is a left turn continuing Rte 113.

Now just stay on that road as it twists and turns. There will come a point where 113 turns right and 113A goes straight. Follow 113A. More twists and turns. You will eventually come to a location where there's a 90-degree turn to the right and all along your right is a big flat mostly-open area. This area is called Wonalancet. Don't turn right, but go straight on Ferncroft Road. There you are, big parking area on the right, marked.

If you see Whiteface Intervale Road, you were too early; wrong 90-degree turn. Go back to 113A and keep going.

As for route, from there it's trivial to go up Blueberry Ledge to the south summit ledges, then go in as far as the actual summit.

 

[gaiagirl]

Many thanks!

Many thanks! I think this'll be quite helpful. So much easier than driving around and stopping at gas stations until I find the road sign and trailhead marker I think I might be looking for! And this relative newbie is most grateful to be getting a reply from the legendary Mr. Metsky! I'm not worthy . Seriously, I appreciate it and I'll be sure to post some pics and a few details when I complete the hike.

 

[MichaelJ]

I corrected an error in my directions. Oops.

 

[gaiagirl]

Thanks again for such specific directions Michael! I am hoping to do this hike this week if it dries up out there. If not I may go way on up to do Cabot, th Bulge and Horn using tips from another posting just today in the Q & A section. What a wonderful resource this site is! I may finish the NH48 way ahead of time with a bit of sorely needed luck.

 

[SteveHiker]

if you see the trailhead for Big Rock Cave, then you went too far. At least that's what worked for me.

Ferncroft is one of the most beautiful trailheads around and the drive to it is as well. Lakes and relatively flat, then all of a sudden mountains. This would be a great fall foliage hike, especially the Rollins trail along the Bowl .

 

[David Metsky]

No problem, that's what we're here for. The directions really aren't that bad to follow, though there are too many 90 degree turns for comfort. It's a bit longer than it seems from the map, so keep driving if you haven't come to the turn off yet.

IIRC, there's a nice white church right at the correct 90 degree turn. It's very obvious once you find it and the parking lot is just a short trip down the dirt road.

-dave-

 

[MichaelJ]

I was going to mention the church except I couldn't remember if it was at the right turn or the wrong one. Thanks, Dave!

 

[gaiagirl]

Wow

And to think I figured I'd have to leave extra extra early for some of these hikes just to get to the trailhead in time to finish before dark! Someone on a summit recently mentioned this website and now that I've gotten over some of my shyness re: postings, etc I can see it's one of the best resources out there. Your help is most appreciated!!! You have no idea how much. Many thanks. I hope to pay a lot of you back by joining along with some or all at some point soon and bringing really decadent snacks! I'm also good for a few laughs due to my utter ignorance regarding geographical/directional facts --- it comes across as ditzy to some, but I swear I have a Masters degree!
Thanks again everyone!

 

[skinhawk]

Get a navigator/map reader to go along. There are several turnoffs on route, and the road is much longer ( slower ) that it looks.

 

[gaiagirl]

Oh no, not another one of those! Just when I was starting to feel confident I could do this one alone. Ah well, I'm sure I can get someone to go along and I wouldn't mind the company. My map reading skills and general directional sense are not good, so I appreciate the input. I would much rather be safe and enjoy myself. Thanks for the advice.

 

[David Metsky]

You'll be fine, just keep on 113, then 113a, then look for the church at the 90 degree turn.

-dave-

 

[gaiagirl]

Will do, David. Thank you. I may do this one tomorrow but I have not decided yet. I have a few to choose from on my list, but it is getting smaller fast with help from everyone here.
Thanks again,