Mount Passaconaway

Trail: Downes Brook Trail, Kate Sleeper Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey’s Mill Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Passaconaway Cutoff, Oliverian Brook Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail

“A great day doing the loop with a road walk in the morning. We had a bit of trouble keeping the trail after we crossed Downes Brook for the fifth time and BEFORE the next crossing back over. There was a tributary stream that was running pretty strong, and that may have obscured the intended trail. We cross-crossed the river a few times to figure out where the trail continued. Ultimately it stayed on the west side of the river just a little further, but the trail was obscure in here, probably due to water washing it out. If we’d just stuck with it for a bit we would have figured it out pretty easily.”

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

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“I took Blueberry Ledge Trail to Mount Whiteface and enjoyed the fantastic view from several of view points on the ledges. After the first major ledge with the first real good view I continued up towards Mount Whiteface and that's when I had chosen a section of scramble that was very steep and devoid of any real hand or foot holds. I was basically laying on the rock sliding up higher and until I saw to the left of me there was more reasonable way up. After doing my best, Alex Honold free solo moves I successfully navigated that section of the ledge. AMC should paint a blue blaze on the rocks for the proper path at the very least on that rock scramble section. I went too far to the right side of rock slab. Realizing that the better route was to left of me. Several more ledge scrambles with more views before you summit Mount Whiteface. Then I took Rollins Trail to Dickey's Mill Trail to Mount Passaconaway.Traveling on Rollins Trail to Dickey's Mill trail was not difficult or too challenging. After Mount Passaconawy summit I continued to the loop on Walden trail back down to Dicey's Mill trail back to the Ferncroft parking lot. Definitely not an easy hike for these two peaks., but super happy with the views from ledges and outlooks. I was able to do them today in the hot humid weather which made it more challenging.”

Trail: Dicey's Mill Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“since, it's literally been decades since I've hiked this trail without snow on it, I had no working memory of what it was like. I feel like all the stone step work is 'new' since most of the rocks were free from moss. I know some people don't like stone steps, but imo I think it help preserve the integrity of the trail by directing foot traffic. no erosion or trail braiding when you know where to place your foot. the last .2 is a bouldery rooty jungle gym of sorts. opted to come down the East loop, which I think is less so. met two solo hikers coming up that way. Passaconaway totally fit the bill today, since I hadn't been out in over a month and I will avoid the mountains during the holiday and the heat wave.”