2,680 ft | Sandwich | 0 routes
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on Potash Mountain are currently rated Difficult. At 8:40 PM ET it was 53°F at the summit (2,680 ft), feeling like 44°F, with WSW winds at 21 mph. See the hour-by-hour Potash Mountain weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 44°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.01" (24h) · 0.64" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Strong WSW winds with gusts near 50 mph are forecast through Friday night, and a sharp cold front brings a drop to the 30s with possible snow showers on Saturday. Fall leaf litter on wet rock plus frontal gusts in the forest (blowdown risk) make Saturday a poor choice; Sunday looks much better with clearing skies and light winds likely.
Little elevation change, so conditions are similar at the trailhead and summit, though summit winds run roughly 10 mph stronger (wind chill near 25\u00b0F versus 28\u00b0F). The freezing level is far above the peak, but Saturday and Sunday lows in the 20s mean frozen, icy spots on shaded trail. Layer with a base, insulating mid, and windproof shell, and carry a spare warm layer.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday morning through early afternoon, after winds ease and skies clear; start early and plan to be off the trail well before sunset. Avoid Saturday if possible.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 8:40 PM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Mt. Potash Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
Trail: Mt. Potash Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“I was pleased that the forest road did not have high grass that may harbor ticks. I don't know if it was due to seasonal dieback or from mowing. There is no sign for the trail as it crosses this road. There are rock stairs on the right side of the road. The trail is a mix of easy hardwood forest path, wet ledges in the evergreen forest, a rock strewn section, and finally a steep ledge section near the summit. Fortunately, the steep ledges were mostly dry. These ledges may be difficult when wet or icy. The trail ends at a rock ledge with a great outlook including Mt Washington in the distance. I did not find any USGS marker. There is a WMNF wilderness stake in the woods near the summit. Nice talking with Jim from Boxborough MA and another hiker from Chester, NH.”
Trail: Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail, UNH Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery
“The trails are in great condition, minor areas of mud that are easily avoidable. Great weather and incredible views.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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25°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 25°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
46 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 46 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 2,680 feet in the Sandwich Range of central New Hampshire, this rewarding moderate hike delivers outsized views relative to its elevation. The trail winds through pleasant hardwood and mixed forest before opening onto open ledges near the summit, where hikers are treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Sandwich Range peaks and the Lakes Region to the south. The exposed rocky summit provides a genuine above-treeline feel uncommon for a peak of this modest height, making it a satisfying destination for hikers seeking open views without committing to a more strenuous alpine climb. As a member of the 52 With a View (52 WAV) peak list, it attracts peak baggers looking to combine accessibility with scenic reward. Its relatively straightforward approach and well-defined trail character make it an excellent choice for intermediate hikers exploring the less-traveled southern Whites.
Elevation
2,680 ft
Range
Sandwich
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
43.9821, -71.3909
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
3.3 mi away