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. 

A Place Like No Other: Dixville Notch

While being in the north country, I immediately knew we needed to check out the highlights in the region. The best, most scenic and unique area is certainly Dixville Notch in northern New Hampshire. From steep, jagged cliffs to roaring gorges and flumes, Dixville Notch has it all. Everything can be seen along the 4-mile loop hike which circles the notch, and even follows portions of the Cohos Trail. Dixville Notch is one of those places you need to see to believe.

Table Rock as seen from the roadside.

Just driving through the notch is a beautiful experience, and it helped us get a better look at the place and what to expect. It's recommended to ascend Table Rock first, the most well known part of the loop. With it being only two tenths up to the rock, you think it'd be quick, but in reality, it takes a while, as the trail climbs straight up the sheer walls of the notch. Also, since it rained the night before, the rocks were slick, so care was taken in ascending.

Bella on the trail.

View looking back from the trail.

The trail suddenly flattens out, with a short side trail to the right leading to Table Rock, a sheer, flat ledge jutting out over the notch. The edges of the rock drop dramatically down to the roadside, and the ledge provides grand views into the notch and over to The Balsams, a huge resort on Lake Gloriette. Some mountains can even be seen in Vermont, standing tall above all the sprawling farmland.

Looking across Table Rock with the summit of Sanguinary Mountain easily visible.

The view east through the notch toward Rice Mountain.

The Balsams Resort and Mt.Gloriette from Table Rock.

A westward view toward Monadnock Mountain in Vermont.

The Three Brothers from Table Rock.

We followed the path up to the junction with the Cohos Trail, a long distance trail that runs north-south through northern New Hampshire. Dixville Notch is known as one of the highlights of the trail, and I can see why. The path lead into the woods and began to head down, until it reached the Three Brothers Trail, which we followed for a short time until we reached the viewpoint, which offered views over to where we just were.

The Cohos Trail.

Junction with the Three Brothers Trail.

Table Rock and Lake Gloriette from the Three Brothers.

Sanguinary Ridge and Index Rock seen from the Three Brothers.

Eventually we found ourselves at Cascade Brook, where we crossed and followed the trail parallel to the stream. The water could be heard constantly roaring down below in the ravine. There were a few viewpoints looking down to Huntington Cascade, and many other falls along the brook. It was a mild descent, but the trail eventually flattened out and followed the brook to a broken bridge and the empty picnic area.

Huntington Cascade

Another portion of the falls.

More falls along Cascade Brook.

The final set of falls.

The twisted bridge. It is still safe to walk across.

To continue on the loop, we had to walk through the picnic area over to the old Whittemore Cemetery. The trail continues past the graves and crosses the road, but I went over to what appears to be an abandoned barn in the parking area. The buildings empty, but curiously, there's a room on the side of it with walls made of old road signs. I don't know anything about this building, and it appears it's been here a while. After looking around more, we crossed the road to continue on the trail.

History of Dixville Notch.

The small plot of graves.

The abandoned barn.

Inside the building.

The strange traffic sign room. I have no clue as
to what this could've been or why it's here.

Immediately after reentering the forest on the opposite side of the road, the trail arrived at the Baby Flume, which is basically a much smaller version of the Flume Gorge in the White Mountains. There are a few roaring falls visible in the gorge. The path then continued through the forest for a ways, climbing higher and higher up the mountainside. The trail passed a small viewpoint looking into the notch.

Falls inside Baby Flume.

The upper falls.

The notch as seen from the first viewpoint along
Sanguinary Ridge Trail.

The trail flattened yet again, this time high above the road. We emerged out to the Rendezvous Outlook, which offered an outstanding view through the notch and over into Maine. It was at this point the trail climbed again, this time it continued for a while. We soon reached the junction where the Cohos Trail heads up to Sanguinary Mountain, which we followed for a hundred feet to see a view over The Balsams.

Rendezvous Outlook

Three Brothers and Table Rock from Rendezvous Outlook.

An eastward view from the outlook. Old Speck can barely be seen through the haze.
Signal Mountain is prominent, with Mt.Patience visible to the far right.

The junction.

The view over Lake Gloriette.

Sanguinary Ridge Trail lead steeply down the mountainside, until it reach a sheer ledge with a great view to The Balsams. It reentered the trees for a hundred feet, then emerged onto another ledge with an iconic view toward the opposing side of the notch, and down below to Index Rock, which the trail passes by after going down some stairs in an open scree field. The views from this point are some of the best in the notch!

Table Rock and Three Brothers from the ledge.

Bella in front of the Three Brothers.

The view from the first ledge looking west.

Overlooking the trail ahead, and Index Rock.

Across the scree field and over to Lake Gloriette.

The three rocks as seen all together!

The view back towards Rice Mountain and the notch.

Index Rock and Three Brothers

After crossing a slide, we zig-zagged down a steep slope until we reached the now closed road leading over to The Balsams. To get back to the original trailhead, we had to walk the road a bit, which was no trouble. Overall, Dixville Notch is an amazing hiking destination in the region. It's awesome to find a place like it within all the uneventful terrain of northern New Hampshire around. It's a real treasure, a place like no other.