Mount Whiteface

Description

Mt Whiteface is the second highest peak on this mountain range that includes Passaconaway, Paugus and Chocorua. Parking is at the Ferncroft area which lies near some private residences. From the parking lot Whiteface appears a pretty daunting climb. The summit can be reached via the Blueberry ledge trail. The higher ledges can be slippery in wet weather and descend them only in winter if you are wearing crampons. There have been more than a few accidents while descending. A longer but more pleasant descent is via the Rollins trail and Dicey mills trail which takes you back to Ferncroft. The southern peak has a fine view of the Lakes region and other mountains in the area. The main peak (which counts if you are a 4K peakbagger.) is a wooded peak further down the trail on Rollins. Its neighbor is Passaconaway which is another 4,000 footer. I've hiked this mountain in all seasons and consider it to be one of my favorite hikes. Distance one way is 3.4 miles. Close to 3,000 feet of elevation gain from trailhead to peak and add another 900 feet at least if you want to bag Isolation as well. In August the blueberries are abundant on the lower ledges. This is a walk up but the higher ledges can require some scrambling, especially in wet or icy weather.

Thanks to Jim Lombard for this description.