Also on this trip

Trails Used

Old Mast, Square Ledge, Walden, East Loop, Rollins, Blueberry Ledge, Blueberry Ledge Cut-off

Trail Conditions

Notes

A beautiful fall day. Still considerable color to the south, but more rusty to the north. Several viewpoints on Square Ledge trail are terrific, despite its removal from 52 WAV list. The view toward Washington described in WMG is a little different from how I imagined it based on the description. There was a slide with a partial view, but shortly after it, there is an open ledge to ascender’s left with a much better view. It’s an easy scramble up 50 feet or so to a flat spot with an excellent view. Also, the “unmarked side path” and “overgrown” path to the other viewpoint mentioned is quite obvious, just before the trail drops steeply along a rock wall. The trail to the north view on Passaconway was quite muddy in spots, but definitely worth the detour. Dicey’s Mill between East Loop and Rollins had extensive water running down the trail. The first half mile of Square Ledge and the upper half of the Cut-off had extensive leaf litter obscuring the treadway. Since both are in the Wilderness area, blazing is minimal, and good trail sense is definitely helpful in figuring out the right way to go in several places.

Parking

No issues.

Water Crossings

No issues

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Oliverian Brook Trail, Square Ledge Branch Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Passaconaway Cuttoff

Trail Conditions

Notes

Was a great day for hiking the temps were in the low to mid 60's. Went counter clockwise on the Square Ledge loop. The Oliverian Brook trail still has lots of muddy sections after the Passaconaway Cutoff junction. Met one hiker going clockwise at the bottom of the steep section of Square Ledge, she didn't recommend her route (really steep going down). Met three other hikers, two near the summit of square ledge, and one with two dogs headed up to Passaconaway as I was coming down the slide on the Passaconaway Cutoff.

Parking

Parked at the Oliverian Brook Trailhead. Only four other cars there early in the AM.

Water Crossings

Only a few water crossings had spots where you could get your toes wet, most crossings were rock hop-able.

Wildlife

Only a few bugs and the 15 mph breeze kept them a bay.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Kelley Trail, Oliverian Brook Trail, Square Ledge Branch Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Walden Trail, Wonalancet Range Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

My route was a grab bag of Sandwich Range trails. Up Kelley Trail, slightly down Oliverian Brook Trail, up Square Ledge Branch, up Square Ledge Trail, down Walden Trail, and down Wonalancet Range Trail. Highlights included the box canyon on Kelley Trail, the rugged rocks of Square Ledge, and lots of wood sorrel in bloom. I wasn't expecting great views, but I met Mike S. (WODC Trails Chair) on Kelley Trail and he told me about a short view spur at the top of Square Ledge. That had a amazing view of Mt. Passaconaway with a glimpse of Mt Carrigain to the north. Thanks, Mike! There's also a well known view spur just below the summit of Hibbard Mountain. I stayed there for a short break before the mosquitoes drove me on. It was a good day exploring the rugged landscape of the Sandwich Range.

Parking

Parked at Ferncroft. The lot was more than half full. Busy for a weekday.

Water Crossings

Oliverian Brook Trail and Square Ledge Branch Trail both cross Oliverian Brook. I managed to keep my boots on and stay dry.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes were annoying.