As we start to see slivers of spring, come enjoy the remaining splendors of a snow-filled winter on an adventurous 12.5-mile (~4,000ft elevation gain) loop along a not-so-blueberry-filled Blueberry Ledge Trail (BLT 🫐) up to Mount Whiteface (4,019ft) and Mount Passaconaway (4,043ft). The BLT has a few challenging sections that will require traction and careful footwork.

Details

We will start the loop up the Blueberry Ledge Trail toward the Mount Whiteface summit (3.8mi), then descend along the Rollins Trail as well as follow it back up towards Mount Passaconaway. At the junction we will go North out on the Dicey’s Mill Trail to reach the Passaconaway summit (7.0mi). We will loop back to the junction of Dicey’s Mill Trail and the Rollins Trail, this time continuing on the Dicey’s Mill Trail to complete the loop. See the route here.

Trail reports from Sunday March 1st stated that there is a lot of snow on the route, making the ledges easier to cross. This week’s forecast is largely below freezing with snow showers, however, there are light rain showers in the forecast for Friday and Saturday night. We do not anticipate this will dramatically change snow conditions, but we will need to keep an eye on the forecast throughout the week. Sunday temperatures look great, hanging out in the 30s (F°).

Requirements

Previous winter hiking experience is encouraged, or confidence in your ability to layer in cold weather. You should also feel confident hiking similar mileage and elevation gain with a moderately heavy backpack during any season. This is a long hike. We require that you have hiked a similar distance/elevation within the past 6 months. We’ll be using all forms of traction (microspikes, snowshoes, and crampons), so this is a great opportunity to evaluate conditions and test out different traction.

Logistics

Mandatory virtual pre-trip meeting on Thursday March 5th at 7:00PM where we will discuss the route and make sure everyone has the gear they need. We will depart Cambridge Sunday morning bright and early at ~5:00am. NOTE THIS WEEKEND IS THE BEGINNING OF DALYLIGHT SAVING TIME (so we will essentially be leaving at 4:00AM, but we get an extra hour of sun in the evening!)

We will need drivers for this trip! Please update your car status if you can drive others. If not, please select “not driving” or “will drive self.” You must be prepared to rent a car if you have selected “willing to rent.” (MIT provides discounted car rental to affiliates, and we will evenly split rental/gas costs).