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Whiteface & Passaconaway Mts, NH

• 4-star hikes
• 9 to 11 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 2,940 to 3,800 feet
• Wonalancet, NH | White Mountains
. NH4K T25

A hiker stands on a rugged rock ledge, gazing out over an expanse of forested mountains. They wear a red shirt, dark pants, a cap, and a backpack. The landscape stretches into the distance, with lush greenery covering the slopes under a clear blue sky. The scene conveys a strong sense of adventure, solitude, and connection to nature.

Looking at Mt Passaconaway from the Blueberry Ledges.

A challenging hike from the small town of Wonalancet in the northern Lakes Region leads to two 4,000-foot White Mountain peaks on a route that features rocky climbs and spectacular views.

For those interested in reaching both peaks, our preferred route follows the Blueberry Ledge Trail clockwise, first visiting Mount Whiteface before connecting to Mount Passaconaway via a 2-mile saddle. We've classified this trail as difficult due to the Blueberry Ledge rock scrambles, though the remainder of the route is moderate, with easier sections interspersed with rocky terrain.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Whiteface & Passaconaway 11.3 mi loop, hard, gain 3,800 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Mt Passaconaway 8.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,940 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

Blueberry Ledge appears on New Hampshire's "Terrifying 25" list, though we consider the ledges more terrific than terrifying. The ledges don't present vertigo-inducing drops—only occasionally challenging rock face climbs. While they're easier for longer-legged hikers, most experienced hikers should handle the ledges well in good weather. Important note: Wet conditions and especially ice make this route significantly more difficult and require additional preparation and gear.

Dicey's Mill Trail provides a pleasant descent from Mount Passaconaway to the trailhead under remarkably easy conditions. Well-constructed stone steps combined with sections of pine needle-cushioned dirt trail offer welcome relief after the challenging climbs. This trail features one wide creek crossing that may require careful navigation, though we successfully crossed using a fallen log as a balance beam.

A rustic wooden fence in the foreground frames a pastoral landscape featuring a barn with a solar panel on its roof, set against rolling green fields. In the distance, forested hills rise towards a backdrop of towering mountains beneath a bright blue sky.

Blueberry Ledges and Whiteface viewed from the trailhead.

There are two separate routes to Mount Passaconaway's summit, both rocky and steep with roughly equal difficulty levels.

While both mountain summits remain under tree cover, numerous opportunities exist for spectacular views throughout the hike. Completing the full loop provides the most scenic vantage points. However, to enjoy northerly views extending all the way to Mount Washington, you'll need to take Passaconaway's quarter-mile view spur trail, which we've included on our route map.

The trailhead offers a large, free parking area accommodating approximately thirty vehicles. Arrive early: the lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so an early start is strongly recommended.

A side-by-side composition of two hikers navigating distinct terrains. On the left, a person clad in a red shirt and carrying a backpack ascends a steep, rocky path enveloped by lush forest. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows across the trail. On the right, another hiker in a white shirt and backpack steps carefully across an uneven rock formation with a sweeping view of mountains and forest in the distance.

Blueberry Ledges leading to Whiteface can be challenging.

A sweeping mountain vista unfolds from a rocky peak, revealing rolling forested hills and valleys stretching far into the horizon. The foreground features rugged stone formations and clusters of evergreen trees, their dark green needles contrasting against the bright blue sky. In the distance, layers of mountain ridges fade into a soft atmospheric haze, emphasizing the vastness of the wilderness.

Distant lake views from Blueberry Ledges.

A breathtaking view from a mountain summit, revealing an expansive wilderness of rolling hills and valleys covered in dense forests. The foreground features rugged rock formations and hardy evergreen trees, their branches reaching toward the sky. In the distance, the landscape stretches toward the horizon, where faint lakes and additional forested ridges emerge through the soft atmospheric haze.

Looking back to Whiteface from a saddle viewpoint.

A dense forest scene with sunlight filtering through the leafy canopy, casting dappled light across the ground. A small, clear stream flows gently over scattered rocks and pebbles, reflecting the greenery above. A large fallen tree spans the stream, serving as a natural crossing point. Its rough, weathered bark contrasts with the smooth water below, suggesting frequent use as a passage. Additional fallen branches and logs rest along the banks, blending seamlessly into the woodland setting.

A precarious balance-beam crossing on Dicey's Mill Trail.

A person wearing a red shirt, dark pants, and a backpack walks across a narrow wooden bridge spanning a gently flowing stream in a dense forest. The bridge is supported by metal railings with ropes attached, providing stability. Below, the clear water tumbles over moss-covered rocks, adding to the scene’s natural charm. Tall trees with lush green foliage form a serene backdrop, filtering soft light through the canopy.

Just off Dicey's Mill Trail, a picturesque trail bridge.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Whiteface & Passaconaway Loop, Passaconaway O&B
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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New Hampshire 4,000 Footers
Forty eight peaks all above 4,000 feet, including epic Mt Washington.

New Hampshire Terrifying 25
The most heart-pumping trails in the White Mountains mapped and indexed.