Passoconaway and Whiteface from the Kanc?

[sjk]

Hi everyone,

After a long hiatus to explore my new stomping grounds (VT), my partner and I are heading to NH this weekend. We're hoping to do Whiteface and Passaconaway (#'s 46 and 47!). Somehow, I've managed to misplace my old WM guide.

A few questions if you don't mind:

1. Is the hike considerably longer from the Kanc side than Blueberry Ledge? Any idea on the mileage?

2. Is either route (from the Kanc or from blueberry ledge) better than the other in the winter? are the ledges passable with crampons?

Thanks - any advice would be much appreciated.

K

 

[dug]

I don't have the exact numbers handy, but I think coming in from the Ferncroft parking area is ultimately shorter. Since you can do it as a true loop, you can avoid backtracking as well. The one troublesome section isn't usually much of a problem, but it is a short, steeeep section with good handholds. Last time I was up there around this time, my crampons stayed in my pack.

I have usually gone up this way and did the loop clockwise.

From the Kanc, I personally haven't hit both peaks (only Passaconaway), so I'll let someone with some more definate stats pipe in here.

 

[dclynch]

You should look at Mohammed's website for good trail information.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/sandwich.html#Passaconaway

 

[sjk]

Thank you.

Both those suggestions are very helpful and much appreciated. I'll post a trip report when we get back.

If I could ask one more thing: Is there an area to car camp near Wonalancet or the Blueberry ledge trailhead? We're planning to camp tomorrow night and get an early start Saturday.

Best,
K

 

[dug]

Not really. There are many houses in the area...in fact, you walk between a few at the start. You could probably sneak off up the trail to the right of the parking lot a bit, but I can't vouch for it's legality, privacy, etc.

 

[TDawg]

Funny enough, I was just in Ferncroft today doin the loop over Blueberry Ledge, Rollins, Diceys Mill trails. The parking is about .2 or so from the start of the Blueberry ledge trail. Dicey's Mill is farther up the road past a yellow house and another house w/ a red roof, maybe .3 or 4 farther. The total loop is about 12-13 miles roughly if I remember correctly, my WMG is still in the car. And my legs are very tired and feet sore. Beautiful trip, I was delightfully surprised by the view north just below the Passaconaway summit. The south summit ledge on Whiteface were, of course, awesome. No clue of any camping near the trailhead, looked to be all private property.

The lot is big enough for over 10 cars I'd say, the ledges were pretty icey below the south summit of Whiteface. I managed to pass with medium difficulty using crampons and poles, but I'm young and limber. It is steep though, I can sure say that.

The Rollins Trail was a little snowy, but mostly in the form of small drifts here and there, no need for snowshoes today. Route finding was not really in issue on the Rollins, or any part of the loop for the matter, just a couple places you actually had to use your head a bit on the Rollins Tr. A few nice outlooks over to Passaconaway, down onto "The Bowl," and back to Whiteface along the Rollins as well.

Found 2 or 3 nice flat camping sites, complete with snow walls at the base. The camping sites are all within 30 feet of eachother in the col between the 2 summits just off the Rollins trail, closer to Dicey's Mill. Didn't look like even 100 feet so I'm not sure the legality but it could be different in winter with a snowpack? Nice place to spend the night though. Just 2 or 3 big ice flows on the Rollins.

Dicey's Mill was a little icey on the final push to the summit after 3 or 4 switchbacks, just a couple ice flows on this section above the junction with the Rollins trail. Below the Rollins junction it was a rather moderate descent, not too bad. It was icey but crampons do fine.

#'s 38 and 39 NH 4k footers...end is gettin near...

PM me if any more questions, I'd be glad to answer...I'd recommend this route for sure!

 

[sjk]

Funny enough, I was just in Ferncroft today doin the loop over Blueberry Ledge, Rollins, Diceys Mill trails. The parking is about .2 or so from the start of the Blueberry ledge trail. Dicey's Mill is farther up the road past a yellow house and another house w/ a red roof, maybe .3 or 4 farther. The total loop is about 12-13 miles roughly if I remember correctly, my WMG is still in the car. And my legs are very tired and feet sore. Beautiful trip, I was delightfully surprised by the view north just below the Passaconaway summit. The south summit ledge on Whiteface were, of course, awesome. No clue of any camping near the trailhead, looked to be all private property.

The lot is big enough for over 10 cars I'd say, the ledges were pretty icey below the south summit of Whiteface. I managed to pass with medium difficulty using crampons and poles, but I'm young and limber. It is steep though, I can sure say that.

The Rollins Trail was a little snowy, but mostly in the form of small drifts here and there, no need for snowshoes today. Route finding was not really in issue on the Rollins, or any part of the loop for the matter, just a couple places you actually had to use your head a bit on the Rollins Tr. A few nice outlooks over to Passaconaway, down onto "The Bowl," and back to Whiteface along the Rollins as well.

Found 2 or 3 nice flat camping sites, complete with snow walls at the base. The camping sites are all within 30 feet of eachother in the col between the 2 summits just off the Rollins trail, closer to Dicey's Mill. Didn't look like even 100 feet so I'm not sure the legality but it could be different in winter with a snowpack? Nice place to spend the night though. Just 2 or 3 big ice flows on the Rollins.

Dicey's Mill was a little icey on the final push to the summit after 3 or 4 switchbacks, just a couple ice flows on this section above the junction with the Rollins trail. Below the Rollins junction it was a rather moderate descent, not too bad. It was icey but crampons do fine.

#'s 38 and 39 NH 4k footers...end is gettin near...

PM me if any more questions, I'd be glad to answer...I'd recommend this route for sure!

Wow, thanks for that detailed info Tdawg. Much appreciated. It looks like we'll be doing it as a dayhike Saturday - hoping to get over to Waumbek on Sunday. that'll be 44 and 45 for us!

Best -
K