New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Mount Passaconaway

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
Mt. Passaconaway (4043’), the easternmost 4,000 footer of the Sandwich Range Wilderness, shares a prominent ridge with Mt. Whiteface (4020’). A lookout ledge just below Mt. Passaconaway’s wooded summit offers great views of the Tripyramid massif to the west and South Hancock (4319’) and Mt. Carrigain (4700’) to the north.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: There are a number of routes to the summit of Mt. Passaconaway, most of which begin south of the peak. The most popular follows the Oliverian Brook Trail to the Passaconaway Cutoff. Hikers then proceed to the Square Ledge and Walden Trails to enjoy the views from the south summit ledge.

Trip Planning
The WMNF's Jigger Johnson Campground is the closest camping option, located within a mile of the Oliverian Brook Trailhead.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.

Fun Fact
The ridge system that connects Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, and Mt. Wonalancet (2728’) creates a secluded valley, or cirque. This area, known as The Bowl Natural Area, has never been logged.