Trail Distance: 8.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2600′
Terrain Rating: Moderate
Hike in: 9AM
Hike out at 2:15PM
Trailhead: Route 49 Near Waterville Valley. Here are Google maps. Boston is approximately 2 hours away
Route: From Sandwich Mountain Trail to Drake’s Brook Trail Loop
Sandwich Dome can be found on the NH 52, with a view. Although it isn’t on the 4000 footers list, it is still very popular. It is located only 2 hours away from Boston, making it one of the easiest hikes through the Whites. You can also stop at Noon Peak or Jennings Peak for a nice break. We didn’t expect many views because it was shoulder season. It was almost completely covered by clouds at the summit.
This was a hike with the Appalachian Mountain Club Young Member’s group in Boston. It was great to meet new people. It was great to be with everyone! The rain started the hike. One stream crossed Sandwich Mountain Trail, which was very slippery. There were a few slips here but no wet shoes. Hiking poles came in handy. The ascent began at a gradual pace and reached Jennings Peak at 2.8 miles. It was moderately hilly with roots and rocks, and a bit of scrambling. After Jennings Peak, the foliage began to disappear.
The 0.2-mile spur that leads to Jennings Peak is well worth the effort. It is another 1.1 mile until you reach Sandwich Dome’s summit. There are many ways to go up so all trails lead to the summit. We stopped at the top for lunch, but quickly moved on so that we didn’t get completely chilled.
Continue on the 1.1-mile trail to Drake’s Brook Trail until you reach the junction. Continue on the 1.1 mile trail to Drake’s Brook Trail. Enjoy your return hike of 3.2 miles. Drake’s Brook is more gradual than Sandwich Mountain Trail and less rocky. We flew down, and we were back at the parking lot in no more than a few minutes. Another stream crossed this area, which was very tricky. This time, we only had one pair of boots.
- 2L water
- 3 bars, 1 sandwich
- Salmon X Ultra Mid 2 hiking boots
- Fjallraven pants
- The North Face HypVent 2.5
- Nike baselayer, Icebreaker shirt
- Beanie, gloves
- Additional clothes can be packed away: Patagonia down jacket, extra baselayer
- Emergency Gear: Map and GPS, Headlamps, Reduced First-Aid Kit, Swiss Army Knife, Headlamp
