Also on this trip

Trails Used

Sandwich Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

A FINE day in the forest was had. Winter is working its way down into the valleys. Powdered sugar snow above 2500', full coverage at 3990. The sun made an appearance on our way out, so it's likely melted. It's also 21 degrees as of this writing (sunday AM) so it may be ice now. Trail is in great shape throughout but this time of year with wet rocks, roots, and leaves, and temperatures around 32, a gentle reminder that everything, and I mean everything, wants to hurt you. At no point did I think spikes would be helpful on this trek. We are still in the awkward teenager phase of getting into winter. We opted to return the way we came instead of dropping down into Drakes Brook due to the sun coming out and we had some "snowliage" as the youth call it. Colors along the mad river in the valley are still quite nice, but we are well past. Some brilliant sugar maples and red oaks still offering pops of colors among the stick season views (Along with the beeches, some of those things are stage five clingers and drop super late)

Parking

One car at start, about ten upon return

Water Crossings

The initial crossing at Drakes Brook (near the power lines) was fine, even with the 2.5" of rain received. We did plan to walk to the road and walk on the other side of the culvert to avoid crossing (In your guide book!) but not needed

Trails Used

Sandwich Mountain Trail, Jennings Peak Spur, Drakes Brook Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Back when I hiked to Sandwich Mountain, I looked out and saw Noon Peak. What a cool place, I thought. Indeed, it is a cool place. I read you should do this loop counter-clockwise to get the steep part done first. (True). I read one person's review that you should skip Sandwich Mountain Trail and just go out and back on Drakes Brook Trail (false). The Sandwich Mountain Trail was really cool. Steep at times but not sketchy. Cool rocks, beautiful forest, etc. The Drakes Brook Trail was comparatively boring. Easier but without the wow factor. The loop was good. There was no water after the initial crossing, until returning back to the valley on the descent. Jennings Peak was worth the short extra distance. I really liked this area and plan to return again in the fall.

Parking

There is a dirt parking lot (free). There were 4 cars.

Water Crossings

Crossing Drakes Brook at the beginning of the trail (and at the end of the loop) was super easy on this day. Quite a difference from the last time I saw this place and couldn't cross.

Wildlife

A few mosquitoes here and there. Several Yellowjackets near the summit at Jennings Peak but they were mostly off to the side of the trail. Marvelous dragon flies zooming around the summits.

Trails Used

Smarts Brook Trail, Sandwich Mountain Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

My route was up Smarts Brook Trail and down Sandwich Mountain Trail. I used a bike to get back to my car at the Smarts Brook trailhead. It was very pleasant walking up the valley of Smarts Brook. Great views south and east from Jennings Peak.

Parking

Parked at the Smarts Brook trailhead. There's room there for at least twenty cars.

Water Crossings

Sandwich Mountain Trail crosses Drakes Brook close to the trailhead. The crossing was easy today.

Wildlife

Not bad.

Trails Used

Algonquin (T25) trail to Sandwich Dome, and Sandwich Mtn trail to Jennings and out

Trail Conditions

Notes

The Algonquin trail is a great trip to Sandwich Dome and other 3 sections that make this a Terrifying 25 hike is in better condition then the Sandwich Mtn trail- where you have a nice “soft bed” for smooth walking and easy on your feet

Parking

Limited parking at the Algonquin TH, so we took limited cars. The Sandwich Mtn road was in pretty good shape for an unmaintained road

Water Crossings

Final Water crossings to the Drake Brook trail was easy rock hopable

Trails Used

Sandwich Mountain Trail, Drakes Brook Trail, Jennings Peak Spur Trail

Trail Conditions

Parking

Nothing to note - room for 10 or so cars in the lot

Water Crossings

Rock hopping - not bad at all

Wildlife

Not bad, actually!

Trails Used

Drakes Brook Trail, Sandwich Mount Trail, Jennings Peak Spur

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful day for these two peaks. Conditions are primo. Only saw 8 people all day, including a family of four. Views atop Sandwich seemed to have opened up in last year or so.

Parking

Only four cars in lot when I finished.

Water Crossings

Drakes Brook Trail crossing is as good as it gets right now.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes are rabid. Only the breeze atop Sandwich Dome kept them away.

Trails Used

Sandwich Mountain, Drakes Brook

Trail Conditions

Notes

Some left over ice, monorail on spur to Jennings Peak and also on way down Drakes Brook. Carried traction but didn't use it.

Parking

Lot is fine

Water Crossings

Used the road bridge for the first crossing. The last one was a little tricky, some maxe it with wet feet some with dry feetxand i took my shoes and socks off to walk across.

Trails Used

Sandwich Trail, Drakes Brook

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Fast and furious today! Great traction up sandwich mtn trail. Nice packed base. Minimal postholes and smooshiness. Between Noon and Jennings was a bit more uneven , but still better than it’s been! The steep section to Jennings was nice little packed down steps in stead of the sheer ice it typically is this time of year! Down drakes had more post holes and never footing. Watch for hangers too. One took me out down low… still a lot of snow to go before bars ground!

Water Crossings

One dog went for a swim, the other pup and I stayed dry!

Trails Used

Sandwich trail/Drakes Brook

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The initial river crossing may have been doable for some, but not for us. We took the bushwhack from the road by the electric plant to join the trail. Still plenty of snow up there packed in. The vertical climb was steep and rocky. Not to mention very icy and on the difficult with spikes. Further up you climb before you turn to Noon peak, it was difficult for the spikes for sure. The snow is melting but the refreeze is tough for the spikes. I pulled myself up with trees and roots that weren't frozen and intact. The stretch right before Noon Peak was tough with the ice. Snow and monorail pretty good still. Great views on all 3 peaks, though Jennings still has my favorite vote. The snow from Jennings to Sandwich right before the final climb is very crunchy. We took Drakes Brook back like everyone else and it was BY FAR easier. Just kind of long. The other river crossing before getting back to the trailhead was doable with careful footprints. We were dry.

Parking

Still icy getting up the hill.

Water Crossings

Avoided first river crossing with the bushwhack. Carefully stepped across the Drakes Brook crossing and made it across dry.

Wildlife

Not yet!