This route to Sandwich Dome is less crowded than the routes on the NW side of the mountain. Easy grades alternate with steeper sections; there are good views only at the summit. The trail is well supplied with water. It begins on private land and enters the Wilderness after it crosses the Flat Mtn. Pond Trail. This trail can be used as a shortcut to Flat Mtn. Pond. Skiing is not recommended.

Park at the kiosk at the end of Bennett St. Continue ahead on the gated dirt road, which is the WMNF Flat Mtn. Pond Trail. At 0.2 miles you will pass Jose’s Bridge on the R, and at 0.5 miles the Bennett St. Trail begins on the R.

0.0 The Bennett St. Trail turns R off the Flat Mtn. Pond Trail. The trail crosses several small brooks and one large stream, ascends a small hogback, and parallels Pond Brook (R).

0.6 Trail descends hogback, turns sharp L, and reaches jct. Gleason Trail L. Bennett St. Trail continues straight ahead along brook, crossing two tributaries and passing a fine cascade and pool R on Pond Brook. Trail ascends L high up the bank to avoid a washout, then returns to the original route.

1.2 The trail soon reaches Great Falls, another fine falls and pool R. The trail crosses and follows a smaller stream, then turns L, re-crosses the stream, and ascends a couple of short steep sections.

1.6 Bennett St. Trail crosses Flat Mtn. Pond Trail, a wide, abandoned logging railroad bed. Continue steeply up the bank and enter the Wilderness. Steep sections alternate with gentle old logging roads as the trail climbs the broad ridge.

2.3 Turn sharp R onto well-defined logging road. Cross a spring and numerous good streams on this gentle section.

2.9 Turn sharp L off logging road. Following older logging trails, cross another stream (last reliable water). The trail makes a couple of switchbacks as it crosses some unreliable streams.

3.5 Old abandoned trail jct. L. Bennett St. Trail continues straight ahead up ridge, soon bearing L on another old logging trail.

3.8 In level area, short obscure side trail leads L to unreliable spring. Trail resumes moderate climb.

This little-used trail (Bickford PATH on some signs) gives access to Paugus Mill and Mt. Chocorua from Wonalancet, making possible many range loop trips. Grades are generally easy; the trail has plenty of water, but no outstanding views. It starts on private land, but is mostly within the WMNF. It is good for skiing except at several difficult stream crossings.  There is limited roadside parking at the trailhead.

0.0 Bickford Trail starts on the N side of Route 113A 0.1 miles W of the Chinook Kennels marker, and 1.1 miles E of the Wonalancet Chapel. It climbs easily, then descends gently in open hardwoods.

0.2 Turn L onto an old logging road, then soon turn R off the logging road at an arrow to cross a stream. Begin a gentle ascent, leveling out to pass a cabin R, then descend along a narrow sidehill.

0.7 Come out of the woods into a private field (restricted view). Stay left along the edge of the field and reenter the woods at an arrow. Following gentle rolling grades, enter the WMNF and cross several unreliable streams in a wet area.

1.0 Cross a small stream and begin moderate ascent L.

1.3 Reach height of land among boulders and begin moderate descent. Trail turns R as it meets but does not cross a stream, then follows the stream downhill on the S bank.

1.8 Cross the stream to the N bank and continue moderate descent on old logging road.

1.9 Bickford Trail levels out and comes to T-jct. with CMC Old Paugus Trail. Turn R on this trail and cross Whitin Brook. If high water makes the crossing too dangerous, a bridge may be reached by bushwhacking 0.1 mile downstream.

2.0 T-jct. with WMNF Bolles Trail, a wide dirt road. Turn L and follow Bolles Trail briefly, then turn R off the dirt road at a blue arrow and descend the brook bank.

2.1 Cross Paugus Brook (may be difficult in high water or ice conditions), and begin a short, steep ascent L.

2.3 Turn L onto a winter road, soon turning R off that road into the woods at an arrow. Approach Claybank Brook with gentle grades.

This route from Wonalancet to Mt. Paugus receives moderate use. It is entirely within the WMNF, and within Wilderness from Mt. Mexico onward. The major attraction is Big Rock Cave, formed by huge flat boulders. Grades are moderate, possibly skiable; the only reliable water is at Whitin Brook, a difficult crossing in winter or spring. Limited parking is available along Route 113A at the Cabin Trail trailhead.

0.0 Trail begins on the Cabin Trail, 0.3 miles from Route 113A. Bear R on a logging road and start ascending moderately, soon passing a former clear-cut area R. The trail follows, meets, and crosses numerous logging tracks as it passes between logged areas; follow blue markings carefully.

1.1 Level out and enter the Wilderness at the top of Mt. Mexico ridge (no view). Begin gentle descent, cross a flat (possibly wet) area, then continue descending moderately.

1.6 Pass Big Rock Cave R and turn sharp L downhill. Continue descending past large boulders.

1.7 Cross Whitin Brook and ascend bank to jct. CMC Whitin Brook Trail. Big Rock Cave Trail continues straight ahead on a moderate ascent.

This is the popular route from Ferncroft to Mt. Whiteface. It offers varied grades from gentle old roads to open slabs to steep rocks, with many fine viewpoints. There is little water. It is skiable to the McCrillis Path jct., and might possibly be skied (with difficulty) to the lower ledges.  Park at the Ferncroft kiosk.

0.0 Blueberry Ledge Trail begins at the Ferncroft parking area. Return to Ferncroft Road and turn R.

0.3 Dicey's Mill Trail continues straight ahead at “Squirrel Bridge.” Blueberry Ledge Trail turns L, crosses the bridge, and bears R on gravel driveway.

0.5 Gravel driveway ends in a Y. Continue a few yards straight ahead into the woods to jct. Pasture Path L. Blueberry Ledge Trail turns R on wide trail.

0.6 Trail joins an old town road and reaches the lower jct. with Blueberry Ledge Cutoff R. Blueberry Ledge Trail continues straight on old town road, entering the WMNF and Wilderness and climbing easily.

0.9 Jct. McCrillis Path L. Blueberry Ledge Trail continues straight, then traverses L and ascends moderately. Trail levels off to cross an unreliable stream, then crosses a level section, often wet in spring. It switchbacks up to a small dip, then continues ascending steadily over semi-open ledges.

2.0 Trail bears R on uppermost ledges (view), and reaches upper jct. Blueberry Ledge Cutoff R at a large cairn. Blueberry Ledge Trail enters woods L and continues gradual ascent through woods, then the grade steepens and the trail climbs by switchbacks.

2.9 Wonalancet Outlook R (restricted views). Trail bears L and ascends steeply on rock staircases to the ridge top, where it levels off.

3.2 Jct. Tom Wiggin Trail R in a small dip. Blueberry Ledge Trail ascends moderately. After climbing a rocky ledge R, the trail levels out and reaches a fine outlook S. Trail turns sharp R and begins ascending steeply up open ledges with many fine views and several challenging scrambles.

This is an alternate and less popular route to the Blueberry Ledges on Mt. Whiteface, with more water and fewer open rock slabs than the main trail. The distance is slightly longer, the grade a bit steeper; it is not good for skiing. It begins on private land and ends in Wilderness.

0.0 The Cutoff leaves the Blueberry Ledge Trail R 0.6 miles from the Ferncroft kiosk, and continues on the level to the bank of Wonalancet River. It follows upstream, crossing a tributary diagonally uphill.

0.3 A bridge R crosses Wonalancet River to reach the Dicey's Mill Trail. The Blueberry Ledge Cutoff bears L, then climbs to the top of a ridge and levels off. The Cutoff follows along a bank high above a section of the brook known as “The Gorge.” It leaves the bank L, following and soon crossing a small stream. Trail climbs moderately along stream bank.

0.9 Trail enters the Wilderness, and begins a long switchback, away from stream (last reliable water), to the top of a ridge. At end of switchback turn L and continue moderate ascent. 

Do not confuse this with the CMC Brook TRAIL that ascends Mt. Chocorua. This scenic and little-used path closely follows Wonalancet River from Wonalancet past Locke Falls, rejoining Route 113A. It is entirely on private land. There is plenty of water and grades are mostly easy, but the footway and blazes should be followed carefully. Some short sections would be tough for skiers. There is limited parking on Route 113A at both ends.

0.0 The trail begins on Route 113A 0.5 miles E of the chapel in Wonalancet, across from the Cabin Trail. Enter the woods and bear L, following the N bank of Wonalancet River.

0.2 Turn L and cross branch stream on bridge, then turn R following bank downstream again. 0.5 Logging road joins L at arrow. Continue following brook bank. 0.6 Bear R (arrow) at fork with logging road, still following brook.

0.9 Winter road continues ahead. Brook Path turns R to cross Wonalancet River on a bridge, ascends L, then leaves the winter road L just below a switchback. Trail descends moderately but roughly, passing a dam.

1.1 Locke Falls L. Trail continues descent on S bank of brook, soon becoming an old logging road with smoother grades.

1.8 Brook Path joins a gravel road that descends from a ridge. Follow road L past private homes.

This trail is part of the direct route from Wonalancet to Mt. Paugus. It crosses a recently logged area with some views and some muddy spots. It is mostly on WMNF land, beginning on private land and ending in the Wilderness. Water is available on the lower part. Grades are generally moderate and skiable, tougher near the top. There is limited roadside parking at the trailhead.

0.0 The trail begins on Route 113A 0.5 miles E of the Chapel in Wonalancet. It follows a private gravel road N, avoiding driveways L and R (follow arrows). The trail becomes an old logging road.

0.3 Jct. Big Rock Cave Trail R. Cabin Trail stays L at the first red cairn, then R at the second red cairn. It ascends easily, crossing three streams in a logged area and entering the Wilderness.

1.8 At the top of the logged area, the trail reenters the woods and climbs steadily to the top of a ridge, then drops slightly.

2.2 Jct. Whitin Brook Trail R. Cabin Trail traverses upward beside the ridge, passing a restricted view R towards Mt. Paugus, then levels off.

Although lacking in variety, this is a popular ascent route from Ferncroft to Mt. Passaconaway. It follows old logging roads offering easy grades and water, but no distant views except at the summit. The first 0.8 miles are on private land; the trail then enters the Wilderness and passes through The Bowl Research Natural Area. It offers two miles of good skiing to Dicey's Mill site. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk.

0.0 Dicey's Mill Trail begins at the Ferncroft parking area. Return to Ferncroft Road and turn R.

0.3 Blueberry Ledge Trail leaves L at “Squirrel Bridge.” Dicey's Mill Trail continues straight ahead on driveway, passing through a gate and reaching a house in an open field. The trail passes L of a barn and enters the woods on an old logging road.

0.8 Bridge leads L across Wonalancet River to Blueberry Ledge Cutoff. Dicey's Mill Trail continues straight on old woods road, entering the WMNF and Wilderness. Trail switchbacks L and R, then climbs easily. It bears L above a wet area, then rejoins the old logging road and resumes easy climbing.

1.9 Jct. Tom Wiggin Trail L. Dicey's Mill Trail continues straight and nearly level on old logging road to stream crossing at Dicey's Mill site. The path begins a long moderate ascent, staying R of a ridge. Nearby views are still available through ice-storm damaged woods

3.7 Jct. Rollins Trail L. Dicey's Mill Trail climbs moderately on a wet, rocky section, then levels off.

3.9 Jct. East Loop R, by a good spring L. Dicey's Mill Trail bears L uphill, shortly passing a spur L to an established campsite. Trail continues uphill moderately on switchbacks, climbs a short, steep rocky slope, then resumes moderate climbing.

The East Loop allows access from the Walden Trail to Dicey’s Mill Trail, without climbing over Mt. Passaconaway summit. It is entirely within The Bowl Research Natural Area. Grades are generally easy, there are no views, and the only water is at the Dicey’s Mill Trail jct. It may be skiable, but most of the connecting trails are not.

0.0 The East Loop begins on the Walden Trail, 0.6 miles below the summit of Mt. Passaconaway and 0.1 miles above the upper jct. Square Ledge Trail. It traverses on the level.

This short trail provides easier access to Flat Mountain Pond than the parallel section of the Bennett St. Trail. It is mostly wide and graded, and good for skiing.

0.0 Gleason Trail turns L from the Bennett St. Trail at 0.6 miles. Turn R on the level, then start climbing high above the river on an old road.

0.1 Approach and cross a stream, then turn L and follow up the N bank.

0.3 Cross a distinct old logging road. Continue straight up the bank. Cross a small stream and continue, steeply at times, up the wide road bed with steady grades.

This trail provides access to the Cabin Trail, Big Rock Cave Trail, and Bickford Trail from the Ferncroft kiosk, allowing loop trips with less road walking. It follows the gentle grades of an old logging road and is suitable for skiing. It is entirely on private land. The trail has water but no views. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk. Go E to the gate and follow FR337 (wide gravel road) straight through the gate.

0.0 Follow the gravel road across Spring Brook on a bridge.

0.2 Turn R off FR337 on an old grass-grown woods road, avoiding a ski trail that turns sharp R.

0.4 Trail crosses a footbridge in a wet area and climbs easily to a mossy ridge top, where it levels off.

0.8 There is a bench L (but no view) just before the trail starts its descent from the ridge. The trail bears R twice on old logging roads. 1.0 Cross a wide bridge.

1.1 Trail comes out of the woods to cross a private yard, then bears R on a private driveway. Trail may be difficult to find here in reverse direction.

This lightly used trail connects Mt. Whiteface and Mt. Tripyramid. It has reliable water at the east, and fine views at the west end. Grades are easy to moderate, but a rough section at the west end discourages skiing. It is entirely within the Wilderness.

0.0 The Kate Sleeper Trail begins on the Rollins Trail

0.1 mile below the summit ledges of Mt. Whiteface. Trail descends moderately.

0.5 Small seasonal stream L, the closest reliable water source to Whiteface summit. 0.8 Jct. WMNF Downes Brook Trail R. Kate Sleeper Trail crosses Downes Brook, bears L around a bog, and travels nearly level across a wet section.

1.1 Begin ascending moderately through woods devastated in 2011 by Hurricane Irene.

1.6 Height of land, jct. R with WODC spur trail to East Sleeper. (This spur winds through the woods for 0.1 miles, rising gently to the wooded summit marked by a cairn and sign.) Sleeper Trail continues straight ahead on a short steep descent.

1.7 Turn sharp R onto an old mossy woods road that rises slightly, then descends steadily. The road narrows into a trail.

2.2 Trail reaches col and abruptly starts uphill, then levels off as it bears L. It then climbs moderately uphill.

2.6 Height of land. The wooded summit of West Sleeper is a few steps R off the trail. Descend moderately down the ridge, then turn L and traverse.

3.0 Trail reaches its low point below the col, and starts a rough up-and-down traverse of the steep slope.

3.2 Come out into the open and start ascending a slide with fine views. The route is marked with cairns or blazes as it winds steeply up the slide.

This little-used trail provides a route to Paugus Pass from Ferncroft that is more challenging, varied, and geologically interesting than the Old Mast Road. Some of the footing is rough; the trail follows a small stream. The lower part and FR337 make good ski loops with the Old Mast Road. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk.

0.0 Kelley Trail coincides with the Old Mast Road E from Ferncroft, turning L at the gate. It follows an old, wide, level dirt road.

0.1 Jct. Wonalancet Range Trail L. Kelley Trail and Old Mast Road continue straight across a bridge.

0.3 Kelley Trail leaves R where Old Mast Road continues straight. Follow an old woods road. 0.5 FR337, a recent gravel logging road, joins L. (This is a good ski descent 0.6 miles from Old Mast Road.) Turn R and follow this road downhill on a switchback.

0.6 Kelley Trail turns L off FR337 just before a large culvert. (FR337 continues straight and turns R, a good ski descent back to Ferncroft.) Kelley Trail follows a stream, ascending gently. The stream valley narrows to a gorge as the trail traverses along the W bank; skiing starts to become impractical.

1.1 Trail ascends L away from stream, then the grade eases through open hardwoods high above the stream and the trail enters the Wilderness.

1.5 Pass cascades at head of gorge, then cross stream and continue upstream on E bank.

1.7 Cross stream twice more, then enter scenic box canyon, still following brook. Rocks may be slippery.

1.9 Stream becomes unreliable. Trail ascends in stream bed.

2.0 Stream bed widens into the “Pleistocene Plunge Pool,” a bowl-shaped remnant of an Ice Age waterfall. Trail makes a short, steep climb up left of the headwall with unreliable water R, and continues to follow the dry stream bed on easier grades.

This trail leads from “Four-Way” (jct. Lawrence Trail with Old Mast Road, Walden Trail, and Square Ledge Trail) across Paugus Pass to Mt. Paugus. Formerly one of the more challenging and interesting trails in the Wilderness, it has had its toughest, unsustainable parts bypassed and is now generally moderate. A few short steep, gravelly sections remain, but the first 0.6 miles between Old Mast Road and Cabin Trail are skiable. It is well supplied with water, and lies entirely within the Wilderness.

0.0 The Lawrence Trail begins at “Four-Way.” This is 2.0 miles from Ferncroft via the Old Mast Road. It bears E on the level, then descends gently to Paugus Pass.

0.3 Jct. Kelley Trail R and WMNF Oliverian Brook Trail L in Paugus Pass. Lawrence Trail rises gently, then levels off to traverse the N side of the knob known as Carrigain Outlook (no view).

0.6 Jct. Cabin Trail R. Lawrence Trail descends steadily below a col, crossing a seasonal stream.

0.9 Trail descends slightly, then contours below wooded cliffs. It then switchbacks up to a col.

1.3 Trail crosses several seasonal streams, then resumes climbing, using switchbacks at times.

1.8 Trail levels out to cross unreliable water, then rises gently.

Do not confuse this with the WMNF McCrillis TRAIL that ascends Mt. Whiteface. This recently reopened path leads between Wonalancet and Whiteface Intervale, using part of an old town road. The grades are generally easy and there is water. This trail is good for skiing. Park at the Flat Mountain Pond trailhead in Whiteface Intervale.

0.0 Follow Whiteface Intervale Rd. across the bridge, around the bend, and past the graveyard.

0.6 Turn L onto Neal Brook Rd. at the end of the pavement. Follow the gravel driveway N.

0.7 Go straight at the three-way fork, then turn L off the road onto a wide grassy trail. Passing a sign for Ambrose Nature Preserve, enter the woods.

0.8 Jct. ski trail R. This has a loop in the middle, and rejoins the hiking trail higher up. Stay L for the hiking trail. The wide, graded path meets and follows up a stream.

1.3 Turn L off the road onto trail, then sharp R at a stream. Attractive cascades are at the bottom of a deep gorge. Turn R away from the stream and climb by switchbacks.

1.4 A logging track joins R as the trail flattens out. There is a restricted view on a short spur R, stay L.

1.6 Upper jct. with ski trail. Continue straight into the woods.

1.7 Sharp L to enter the WMNF and Wilderness. Trail climbs and descends gently.

2.2 Drop to old town road and turn L. Ascend past stone wall and cellar hole remains, then cross a small stream.

2.6 Cross a wide stream and continue through a wet area.

3.1 Jct. Tilton Spring Path R. McCrillis Path ascends easily to the top of a ridge, then descends moderately on the old road.

Although lacking variety, this popular trail gives easy access to “Four-Way” (jct. Old Mast Road with Lawrence, Walden, and Square Ledge trails) from Ferncroft. It is within the WMNF, beginning on private land and ending in the Wilderness. It follows an ancient logging road with gentle grades and is suitable for skiing. There are no views and little water. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk.

0.0 Old Mast Road leaves from the E end of the Ferncroft parking area and takes the L fork at the gate (Gordon Path continues straight ahead). It follows a wide, level dirt road.

0.1 Jct. Wonalancet Range Trail L. Old Mast Road continues straight across a bridge. The trail soon crosses a smaller stream and begins climbing gently.

0.3 Kelley Trail leaves R. Old Mast Road continues straight.

0.9 Trail crosses FR337, an old logging road. (This leads R to the Kelley Trail and back to Ferncroft, a good ski descent.) Old Mast Road continues climbing straight ahead on a steady grade and enters the Wilderness. Near the height of land, it levels off.

This trail is the direct route from Ferncroft to Mt. Katherine. It is entirely on private land. Grades are very gentle and there is reliable water, but only restricted views. It is suitable for skiing. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk and follow the Blueberry Ledge trail along private driveways.

0.0 The Pasture Path begins on the Blueberry Ledge Trail where it first enters the woods, 0.5 miles from the Ferncroft parking area. The Pasture Path diverges L and ascends gently beside a ridge. It follows an old stone wall for some distance. The trail crosses some recent logging tracks and rises imperceptibly.

0.6 Jct. Red Path L and Tilton Spring Path R at Tilton Spring, just after crossing a logging track. Pasture Path continues straight ahead and crosses another logging track, rising gently.

This trail leads from the former Wonalancet Post Office site over private land to Tilton Spring, giving access to Mt. Katherine. There is reliable water at Tilton Spring. Portions may be difficult to follow due to recent logging; this is not a preferred ski route. Limited parking is available in a small lot at the trailhead.

0.0 The Red Path begins on Ferncroft Road across from the Chapel and before a bridge, 0.1 miles from Route 113A. It follows a gravel road W along an open field L, passing some houses and driveways R.

0.2 Road swings L and R, following power lines.

0.3 Trail leaves the road L at a cairn, then parallels the road. Turn L to rejoin the road at the edge of a logged clearing (sign). Continue straight on a wide, grassy logging road, avoiding branches R.

0.5 Trail turns R off the wide road at an arrow, and gently ascends a much older logging road.

This popular trail (Rollins PATH on some signs) connects Mt. Whiteface with Mt. Passaconaway, making circuit trips of the two peaks possible. It is entirely within the Wilderness, and forms the northern boundary of The Bowl Research Natural Area. Grades are generally moderate, with numerous views. There is no reliable water. Skiing is not recommended.

0.0 Rollins Trail begins at the Dicey's Mill Trail, 0.2 miles below East Loop jct. It leaves W, with easy up-and-down grades.

0.9 The trail turns L and zigzags up to the crest of the ridge.

1.2 Good view L into The Bowl Research Natural Area. Trail climbs up the ridge, passing several more views L. Level sections alternate with steeper climbs.

2.2 Trail levels off and crosses the true summit of Mt. Whiteface (no sign, no views), then descends gradually.

2.4 Jct. Kate Sleeper Trail R. Rollins Trail continues straight.

This moderately used trail provides an alternate route from “Four-Way” (jct. Square Ledge Trail with Old Mast Road, Lawrence and Walden trails) to Mt. Passaconaway. It offers good views, water, and some steep climbing over Square Ledge. Skiing is not recommended. The trail lies entirely within the Wilderness.

0.0 The Square Ledge Trail begins at “Four-Way.” It leaves the jct. N nearly level, crosses the height of land, and begins a gradual descent. It crosses a seasonal stream bed and begins traversing with minor ups and downs.

0.5 The trail crosses a stream. It continues on the level, then climbs a short, steep pitch before leveling out again.

1.1 Jct. WMNF Square Ledge Branch Trail R. Square Ledge Trail continues straight across a stream. After a short level section, the grade becomes progressively steeper. The trail turns sharp R out of a gully and climbs by switchbacks to the base of a cliff, then climbs steeply along the cliffs.

1.5 Turn R away from cliff and reach a fine viewpoint R. Trail turns L and climbs to the top of the ridge, where the grade eases. It passes the wooded summit of Square Ledge R; views are available from a rock outcropping L via an obscure side path. The trail then descends steeply beside a cliff to a small col, and climbs moderately up a ridge. After crossing the ridge, the trail descends R.

2.1 Jct. R with Passaconaway Cutoff. Square Ledge Trail turns sharp L, dips slightly, then climbs easily to an old logging-camp site by a stream. The trail turns L and traverses moderately upstream.

2.4 Trail crosses an old slide (views), then climbs steeply and steadily to the top of the ridge.

This gentle, little-used path follows old logging roads through fine woods from Tilton Spring to the McCrillis Path. It starts on private land and ends in the Wilderness. It is good for skiing, and allows loop trips to Mt. Katherine with the Pasture Path. The only reliable water is at Tilton Spring.

0.0 Tilton Spring Path begins at Tilton Spring, at jct. Red Path and Pasture Path. It ascends easily W, crosses a low ridge, then descends slightly.

0.2 Enter the WMNF and Wilderness at a red boundary blaze. The trail passes a stagnant pool L, then widens into a level old logging road.

0.5 Bear R after unreliable stream and start gentle ascent. Continue on easy grades.

This steep, little-used trail connects Mt. Whiteface with the Dicey's Mill Trail, allowing loop trips. There is water only at the bottom, and there are no open views. There are a number of loose gravelly sections. It is generally too steep for skiing. It is entirely within the Wilderness, and bounds The Bowl Research Natural Area. It has been nicknamed “The Fire Escape”, although it is not recommended for the descent. Park at Ferncroft and follow Dicey's Mill Trail.

0.0 Tom Wiggin Trail begins on the Dicey's Mill Trail, 1.9 miles from the Ferncroft parking area. It leaves L and descends gently through a wet area.

0.1 Trail crosses Wonalancet River; the crossing may be difficult. Trail immediately climbs a small hogback ridge, briefly levels out to cross a dip, then begins a moderate diagonal ascent in open hardwoods. The grade steepens as the trail winds through large boulders below a small cliff.

0.7 Trail turns L below the crest of a ridge and climbs steeply to the top of the cliff. The trail turns R onto a road-like section as the grade moderates, then turns L up a steeper mossy section. The ascent of the ridge continues in moderately steep woods all the way to the end.

This challenging trail connects “Four-Way” (jct. Walden Trail with Old Mast Road, Lawrence and Square Ledge trails) with Mt. Passaconaway. It has generally good footing with many ups and downs. There are several viewpoints but little water. Most of it is too steep for skiing. It lies entirely within the Wilderness.

0.0 The Walden Trail begins at “Four-Way.” (This is 2.0 miles from Ferncroft via the Old Mast Road.) It heads W and immediately starts climbing steeply up rock ledges.

 0.3 The grade eases at a ledge with restricted view S, then resumes steep climbing after a dip.

0.6 Restricted viewpoint N and E on short spur R.

0.7 Spur L 0.1 mile to fine viewpoint S.

0.8 Summit of “Wonalancet Hedgehog” (large boulder R). Trail descends gradually, passing a short spur to a restricted viewpoint L.

0.9 Jct. Wonalancet Range Trail L. Walden Trail continues a steady descent past a restricted view. It turns L at the col and briefly follows an unreliable stream downhill. 1.2 Trail bears R away from stream, then climbs steeply.

1.6 Summit of “Nanamocomuck” (no view). Trail descends gently to col, then rises moderately on the L side of a ridge.

2.1 Jct. Square Ledge Trail R. Walden Trail traverses easily.

2.2 Walden Trail turns suddenly R and starts steep ascent. East Loop soon leaves L. After crossing a ridge on a brief level section, the trail resumes the steep ascent. The trail passes an outlook L, then climbs moderately to the Mt. Passaconaway summit plateau.

2.7 Reach fine E outlook on Mt. Passaconaway. Walden Trail bears L on the level, passing a spur leading R downhill 0.2 miles to a superb N viewpoint.

This trail is a longer, less popular, but more varied route from Ferncroft to Mt. Passaconaway than the Dicey's Mill Trail. It starts on private land, soon entering the Wilderness. The climbing is easy to moderate, with many ups and downs and a few steep sections. It has several outlooks and no water. A couple of steep sections before the “Short Cut” preclude skiing. Park at the Ferncroft kiosk and follow Old Mast Road.

0.0 Wonalancet Range Trail leaves the Old Mast Road L before a bridge, 0.1 mile from Ferncroft. It briefly follows the bank of Spring Brook, then bears L away from the brook.

0.2 Cross a red-blazed property line atop a ridge. Crossing a small dip, the trail becomes a broad gentle logging road through open hardwoods. It crosses a field of rounded boulders and the grade becomes somewhat steeper. The WMNF and Wilderness are entered at 0.7 miles.

1.4 Reach jct. “Short Cut” around Mt. Wonalancet. (The “Short Cut” continues straight ahead, traversing gently 0.4 miles to rejoin the Wonalancet Range Trail, and is the better route in wet or icy weather.) The main trail turns sharp L and ascends steeply to a bare rock ledge. At the top of the ledge (view), the trail continues ascending moderately.

1.8 The grade levels off to cross the summit of Mt. Wonalancet (no view). The trail then crosses a lower summit and descends gradually, staying R of the ridgeline.

2.2 Upper jct. “Short Cut” R in a col. Wonalancet Range Trail climbs gradually along the ridge.

2.7 Trail passes a short spur R to a fine outlook over Wonalancet, then reaches the summit of Hibbard Mtn. Descending slightly, the trail passes a large boulder L, then begins ascending gently along the top of a ridge, with some open spots.