3,198 ft | Sandwich | 0 routes
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Paugus are currently rated Moderate. At 8:40 PM ET it was 51°F at the summit (3,198 ft), feeling like 43°F, with WSW winds at 16 mph. See the hour-by-hour Mount Paugus weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
No routes available for this peak.
Lawrence Trail (1.9 mi) · Old Paugus Trail (2.5 mi)
Feels like 43°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.01" (24h) · 0.64" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Mount Paugus is fully forested with no above-treeline exposure, but strong winds are forecast, with gusts to 46 mph at the summit elevation and wind chill near 21°F. Moderate snow is forecast Saturday with a sharp temperature drop, so trails and ledges could be icy or slick. Sunday looks overcast and dry with improving conditions; leaf litter and short fall daylight add risk either way.
Expect trailhead conditions around 39-58°F with the summit running a few degrees colder (36-56°F) and noticeably windier, with wind chill dropping to about 21°F. Start with a moderate layer, carry insulation and a windproof shell to add at the ledges and summit, and expect icy surfaces on rock if overnight lows near 25°F follow Saturday's snow.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday morning through early afternoon, after Saturday's snow ends, when conditions are dry and winds should ease; start early to finish well before sunset.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 8:40 PM ET
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Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Bolles Trail, Old Paugus Trail, Lawrence Trail, Cabin Trail, Whitin Brook Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Fun loop hike on Paugus. There were some difficult scrambles on wet ledges going up Old Paugus Trail that you need to be careful on. Lawrence Trail down was a lot more tame. Water crossings were a little tricky but doable while keeping feet dry.”
Trail: Bolles Trail, bushwhack, Bickford Trail, Brook Trail, Liberty Trail, Westside Trail, Piper Trail, Middle Sister Trail, Champney Falls Cutoff, Champney Falls Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“A beautiful day with no wind and perfect temps to hang out on the summits. I only saw a handful of people out throughout the 13.5 miles and 4,100’. It took me 6 hours with long summit breaks. I hit the whack from the hol on Bolles and got lost in thick spruce, might not have found the jar without gps. Surprisingly nice views from ledges once I made my way there. Easier coming back. After summiting Chocorua I had planned to go down Beeline trail, but the top of Brook trail was indeed terrifying to think of descending, and there were passing showers in between sunshine. The rock was a bit slippery in the shade, but dry at the top. I decided to take Champney down, which I was able to run most of, it’s such a moderate grade. I stopped at Pitcher Falls too which was lovely.”
Trail: Old Mast Road, Kelly Trail, Lawrence Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Excellent first time hike to Mt Paugus. Kelly Trail is very interesting with many water features and box canyon. Views for days on the ledges of Paugus. This is 50 or 51 of the 52wav. Have to check the records. Plenty of water sources on Kelly and Lawrence Trail running nice and cold.saw what i think was my first scarlet tanger drinking from the stream.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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23°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 23°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
48 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 48 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising to 3,198 feet in the Sandwich Range of central New Hampshire, this rugged peak offers a rewarding but challenging experience for those willing to earn their summit. The mountain features densely forested trails with rocky, rooted terrain that demands careful footing throughout the ascent. While largely wooded at the top, partial viewpoints along the route provide glimpses of the surrounding Sandwich Range peaks and the Lakes Region below. As part of the 52 With a View list, the mountain delivers the scenic payoff that defines that collection. Its remote character means fewer crowds than nearby 4,000-footers, appealing to hikers seeking a quieter backcountry experience. The difficult rating reflects sustained elevation gain and trail roughness rather than technical climbing. Located within the White Mountain National Forest, the peak is typically approached via multi-mile trail networks connecting it to neighboring summits.
Elevation
3,198 ft
Range
Sandwich
Difficulty
Difficult
Coordinates
43.9463, -71.3280
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.