Overnight in the Sandwich Range: Jennings Peak and Sandwich Dome

Ever since I finished the New England 4,000-footers, I dropped the idea of peakbagging, at least for the time. Lately I've found myself focusing more on lists such as the New England 100 Highest, and 52 With A View, two lists with many peaks in New Hampshire. I wanted to create a hike where I could bag a few summits on different lists at the same time, and there's no better mountain for this task than Sandwich Dome and Jennings Peak.

Many of the 4,000-footers as seen from Jennings Peak.

Most people take the easy route from Waterville Valley in order to bag the summits, but I made the decision to start the hike from Sandwich Notch Road, using the Algonquin Trail as our way of ascending the mountain. This is the longest, and most technical route up the mountain. The trail was pleasant as it went through some nice forests, with plenty of evident moose activity. The trail soon passed over some ledges with views up to the mountain ahead.

Even the trailhead is in the middle of no where!

Lucy waiting ahead.

Some of the lower ledges with the slope of the mountain visible.

A closer look at the ledges ahead.

We began to climb the slopes until we reached the base of Black Mountain. From here, the trail started a very steep ascent up the knee of the ridge, and when I say steep, I mean it! The whole climb up begins with a 30-foot chimney; a steep rock face that practically needs to be climbed instead of just walked up. I had to put my camera away in order to use my arms to climb it! Even though it was a lot of effort, it was worth it, as views opened up quickly.

The trail getting steeper!

It's hard to capture climbs like this with a camera, but it is steep!

From atop the chimney: Black Mountains sits to the right, with Mt.Weetamoo
to the left.

Although the main chimney was done, there were still many climbs ahead, albeit, much shorter. After a few more, the trees shortened, and the path emerged onto a wide ledgy area with views south over the many rolling hills and smaller peaks in the area. The trail continued in and out of the treeline, occasionally opening onto open ledges with views toward the Lakes Region, Mt.Tecumseh and other peaks.

Another very steep climb.

The view into southern New Hampshire.

Mt.Tecumseh and Mt.Osceola from the trail.
The extensive ledges below are the peaks of Acteon Ridge.

The junction with Black Mountain Pond Trail.

Many peaks are visible, including Jennings Peak to the far right.

Black Mountain Pond can be seen below, with Young Mountain to the left and
Mt.Israel to the  far right.

Mt.Moosilauke is the tallest on the horizon,
with Welch and Dickey visible to the far right.

The path wound through the trees, high on the ridge for the rest of the trail. The ridge undulated numerous times, with occasional views toward Sandwich Dome through the trees. We reached the col, then climbed easily up the southern slope of the mountain until we reached the Sandwich Mtn Trail, which when followed, brings you to the summit of Sandwich Dome, at 3,980 feet, making it just below the 4,000-foot mark!

Sandwich Dome through the trees.

A portion of the trail between the ledges and the summit.

The junction near the summit.

Nearing the top!

While it's said that the summit has fantastic views, it's clear that the trees have began to grow in during recent years. If you plan on hiking this peak, do it as soon as possible, because these views won't be here for much longer! From here can be seen many famous peaks of the Whites, including many in the Franconia/Waterville Valley area.We then continued the opposite way down Sandwich Mtn Trail to Jennings Peak.

Mt.Tecumseh, Mt.Cannon, Franconia Ridge, and Mt.Osceola

Mt.Carrigain, Mt,Washington, and the Tripyramids from the summit.

Looking toward Kancamagus Pass (Mt.Huntington and Mt.Kancamagus)
with East Osceola to the far left and the Bonds and Hancocks visible.

The trail between the two peaks was uneventful, being a very easy trail. The short spur leading to the summit of Jennings Peak got steep right at the end, but soon opened up to some fine ledges with great views from Mt.Washington to Sandwich Dome, and many peaks in southern New Hampshire. The skies were crystal clear, and many far peaks could be seen, such as Mt.Cardigan, Mt.Kearsarge, Mt.Monadnock, Mt.Ascutney, and even Mt.Killington!

Not much further!

Mt.Carrigain and the Tripyramids visible together yet again,
with the Presidential Range in the far distance.

Mt.Washington

Looking south with Mt.Kearsarge prominently to the left and
Mt.Cardigan to the right.

Mt.Cardigan to the left, with Mt.Ascutney standing far away to the right.

Sandwich Dome from Jennings Peak.

The southernmost peaks of the White Mountains (Stinson Mountain, Carr Mountain, Mt.Kineo)
as seen from the ledges on Jennings Peak.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery from the summit, we continued back up to the summit of Sandwich Dome, then down the Bennett Street Trail, which was likely the old fire wardens road, as the trail was wide and flat for most of the way. The path was easy to follow, and made for a good descent. Once we got closer to the bottom of the trail, it got steeper and thinner, until it reached Flat Mountain Pond Trail.

Time to descend.

Higher up on the trail.

Bennett Street Trail

We followed the trail to Flat Mountain Pond, our camping spot for the night.This portion of Flat Mountain Pond Trail is very easy to follow, as it follows an old railroad bed, which had little evidence of being so, until we found a few rails. The path crossed a nice brook, then a flooded bog area known as Beaver Pond. We soon found ourselves at the junction with the trail to the shelter.

Some of the Flat Mountain Pond Trail.

A simple brook crossing.

Crossing Beaver Pond.

More of the path. Notice the old rail.

The shelter and other nearby tentsites were set just at the western tip of Flat Mountain Pond. We set up camp here. This pond is situated in a beautiful spot, with amazing views up toward some of the higher peaks in the region. The nearby brook flowed from the water through a very old dam, then down a beautiful brook. The water was calm all night.

Flat Mountain Pond Shelter

On the water.

The old dam and Pond Brook.

South Tripyramid from Flat Mountain Pond

The Sleepers and Mt.Whiteface from the bog on the pond.

The next morning we continued back to the Bennett Street Trail, then to the Guinea Pond Trail, which is where we ran into some problems. The path stayed on the same railroad bed the entire way, until it suddenly stopped right on the shore of a very flooded plain. There were no blazes or herd paths around this body of water, so we ended up bushwhacking around it's north shore. We crossed the stream then found some faint blazes which we followed back to the trail on the other side of the bog.

At this point the path disappeared.

We bushwhacked until we found this blaze.
There is a faint trail at this point.

The path was much smaller and more overgrown at this point, until we reached the junction with Black Mountain Pond Trail. From this point, we followed the Guinea Pond Trail beneath some power lines and over snowmobile bridges until we found Sandwich Notch Road once again, which we had to follow for about a mile and a half back to the Algonquin Trail.

A confusing sign post.

The shoulder of Sandwich Dome from a bog.

A snowmobile bridge.

Passing beneath the power lines.

A hill as seen from the power lines.

Overall, the entire distance was 11-miles each day, but the hike was well worth the weather, We got to bag a couple peaks, and even visit some new places, like Flat Mountain Pond, a place that gets barely any visitors. The Algonquin Trail was also one of the funnest paths I've done in the Sandwich Range. While most people stick to the classic day hikes, I always like to try new routes. 

Abandoned in the Mountains: Overnight Atop East Mountain

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to climb East Mountain in Vermont, and explore the defunct Lyndonville Air Force Station atop the mountain. I even wrote a blog about it. The second I saw the place in person, I knew I would have to return. I had no clue that it would only be a month until our next visit, and that we would be staying overnight.

Looking toward the other four towers from the north.

We began the journey driving through Victory State Forest, a very scenic area with views up to Burke Mountain and East Mountain. There are a few scenic stretches of road that pass through meadows along River Road. At one point, the radar towers can be seen.

Looking north toward East Mountain.

Zoomed photo of the towers.

Burke Mountain from River Road.

After the long scenic drive through Victory State Forest, we got to Radar Road, and eventually found ourselves at the base area, otherwise known as the Quonset Village. Since we've been here before, we didn't spend as much time exploring this section of the base.

Mysterious formation along Radar Road.
I've found this area on maps known as Moccasin Mill.

Inside a building.

The gymnasium, which shared the building with a movie theater.

The mess hall.

Looking through the mess hall.
There were several birds flying throughout the structure.

The garage.

The garage was trashed.

The road was the same as last time, easy to follow, winding, and gradual. Surprisingly, we ran into a truck descending the road, which we took as a message to be careful. Looking above the skies were blue, and it took no time for us to reach the summit, where we found the same excellent views from atop the tallest tower.

The blockage, known as The Boulders.

Looking up the road.

On top of the mountain.

Looking south from the tallest tower.

Eventually, we found our way to the northernmost tower, where we set up camp. After carrying everything up and setting it up, we waited for the sun to set. Almost the entire day was spent atop the tower. The views from here are incredible. If you are scared of climbing to the tallest tower, it's worth the little effort to climb this one.

Looking out the window toward the other towers.

The radar towers with the peaks of Nash Stream Forest visible.

Looking northeast toward Seneca Mountain.

Looking toward Burke Mountain and East Haven Mountain.

The horizon began to turn orange, and the sun began to set behind Willoughby Gap and the distant peaks of the northern Green Mountains. The sunset gave the place an eerie yet beautiful feel. The air was still, but even with it being so late, people were still arriving at the summit to explore the area. Once everyone left, the air went still yet again, and the sun slowly set.

Willoughby Gap area as seen before sunset.

The sun setting behind Bald Mountain.
Jay Peak is visible in the far distance to the left.

After the sun has set.

The towers after sun set.

We stayed up late as the skies darkened and all the stars came out. The moon shown brightly, and large distant groupings of lights could be seen from the small villages of northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Darkness fell over the towers and the wind stopped, giving a fearful yet one of a kind feeling to the place. It's as if the tallest tower was just standing there, waiting for the sun to rise, much like us.

The towers with the moon in the background.

After awaking early, we watched the sunrise, which brought life back to the mountain. The towers lit up, the birds began to sing, and the sky filled with light. The skies were a bit hazier than the day before, but we still had excellent views.

View of the sunrise.

The sun rising behind Mt.Blue and Savage Mountain.

The mountains during sunrise. The Percy Peaks are visible to the left,
and the Mahoosuc Range of Maine is in the far distance.

We spent the rest of our time up there walking around the summit area and going to all the other buildings. I hoped that we would be able to climb at least one of the three other towers, but we found that the floors of the others had begun to rot through and were very unsafe. Be cautious when visiting! From here, it was an easy descent.

The northernmost tower.

Another tower, the floor of which is completely rotted.

Looking north at the three towers.

The communications building.

Another building. For more photos, be sure to check out my last blog on East Mountain.

East Mountain is like no other peak in New England, or possibly in the world. The mountain is in the absolute middle of no where, giving the base an eerie vibe, even when other groups are around. I thought visiting the base was a once in a lifetime experience, but now, I've come to the realization that I will likely return numerous times to this location. It's so unique, beautiful and dangerous, all at the same time. There's nothing like it.