Sandwich Trails

Near Sandwich, there are many places you can go to like Mount Cranmore, Attitash, King Pine, and Waterville Valley to go skiing and trail hiking. Sandwich also has a variety of hikes and trails throughout the area, usually maintained by volunteers.

You may visit the Sandwich Sidehillers website for additional information at http://sandwichsidehillers.com, for more information about hikes and trails.

Sandwich Mountain

Sandwich Mountain (often called Sandwich Dome) is not a 4,000 footer, but is a very popular hiking destination in the Waterville Valley area, and is on the New England 100 Highest list.

The majority of hikers climb the mountain by one (or both) of two trails that start on the outskirts of Waterville Valley. These are the Sandwich Mountain Trail (rt: 7.8 miles, 2,600 feet, 5:10) and the Drake's Brook Trail (rt: 8.8 miles, 2,600 feet, 5:40). The two trails start from the same trailhead, and meet about one mile from the summit of Sandwich Mountain, shortly before a spur path leads to the scenic sub-peak known as Jenning's Peak. The two trails are often combined to make a loop (lp: 8.3 miles, 2,600 feet, 5:25). The Sandwich Mountain Trail has a rather steep section going up to Noon Peak, while the grades of the Drake's Brook Trail are much gentler.

The Smart's Brook Trail starts much lower down on Route 49, and hence has quite a bit more elevation gain (rt: 11.4 miles, 3,100 feet, 7:15). Grades are gentle most of the way, though there is a steeper section over the last 500 feet before it reaches the ridge, where it joins the Sandwich Mountain Trail midway between Jenning's Peak and the main summit.

The most scenic trail is the Algonquin Trail (rt: 9.0 miles, 2,550 feet, 5:45), from the Sandwich Notch Road (not plowed in winter). The trail is steep and rough, and there are a few rocky scrambles. There are several outstanding views of the Sandwich Notch area with its many ponds.

The final two trails approach the mountain from the south. The Bennett Street Trail starts from the Flat Pond Trail 0.3 miles beyond Jose's Bridge (rt: 9.0 miles, 2,900 feet, 6:00), while the steeper Gleason Trail (rt: 7.6 miles, 2,900 feet, 5:15) begins and ends on the Bennett Street Trail. The two trails are often combined making a nice loop (lp: 8.3 miles, 2,900 feet, 5:35).

The Wonalancet Outdoor Club hosts many trail maintenance programs and community improvements throughout the year.