Ah Ferncroft, even the sound of it is pure serenity. From the little town of Wonalancet these high points on the range appear magical. I've now had the pleasure of hiking through this area in all seasons and consider it one of my favorite hikes in the Whites
THE TRAILHEADS
I mentioned Ferncroft Trailhead which is the launching point for ♦Dicey Mills Trail on the way to Mt Passaconaway. Ferncroft is located on Ferncroft Rd off RT-113A in Wonalancet. To reach the trailhead you have to walk through a private area which the landowners graciously give us access through. ♦Blueberry Ledge Trail is also at Ferncroft and it climbs over several "ledges" to the summit of Whiteface. The ledges are icy and there is a particularly dangerous section higher up in these conditions. ♦TheRollins Trail connects the two peaks over a wonderful wooded ridge with occasional views south to Mt Wonalancet and into the bowl.
♦Downes Brook Trail Trailhead is off RT-112 the Kanc, down a little road. I've never taken this trail.....I find myself avoiding trails that have the word "brook" in them.....well most of the time. I have heard this is a nice route though.
♦Passaconaway Cutoff is also near the Kancamangus at the end of a dirt road. It's a moderate route to Square Ledge Trail which is steeper to the ♦Passaconaway Loop and the summit.
♦Kate Sleeper Trail connects the Tripyramids to Whiteface. I've never taken this before but some take this to climb all four summits.
THE MOUNTAINS
Mt Whiteface 4,020'
If you climb Mt Whiteface from Blueberry Ledge as most do you have to continue onto Rollins Trail to find the true summit. Many continue across Rollins to Dicey and Passaconaway Loop and bag that too. Whiteface has stunning views from it's "South" summit which overlooks the Lakes Region and points south. One of the best views of Chocorua can be found from here. My favorite ascent was in February over some icy ledges.
Mt Passaconaway 4,043
Mt Passaconaway has no views from it's true summit though there are some especially good views of the Tripyramids nearby. I love hiking in this area particularly in summer and fall. Dicey Mills is a great winter snowshoe hike! I also recommend it as a spring hike as it's south facing slopes shed the snow more quickly.
