Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
The Whiteface and PAssaconoway loop trail hit both summits: two of the NH 4000 footers. This is a difficult hiking trail that offers some views at overlooks, but both summits are in the trees. It’s also possible to hike each of these summits by just doing just part of the trail. Doing both summits adds under 1000 vertical feet so is worth it if you’re up to the distance and elevation.
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Quick Look at the Whiteface and Passaconoway Loop Trail
Distance: 13 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,400 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
* note that this trail distance and elevation is different than the trail on All Trails.
We recommend hiking this is a clockwise direction.
The first part of the trail is wooded and gradual becoming steeper about halfway up. Before reaching the summit, the trail gets steeper with some scrambling sessions. The summit itself is tree covered.
After the summit, the trail descends down the ridge on a rocky trail before ascending back up to Passaconoway on a small loop.
From here, the trail steadily descends and is generally easy and faster walking on the way out.
Map of the Whiteface and Passaconoway Loop Trail in NH
Details of the Whiteface and Passaconoway Loop Trail Hike
We did this loop in the summer of 2026 after hiking just Passaconoway the year before. It is much more difficult to hike both summits.
On the loop trail, we did the hike on a hot day and felt the heat! The trail starts off gradually in the trees but then gradually ascends. This part of the trail is easy and fast walking. About halfway to the summit, the trail gets steeper for a section. Near the summit, the trail goes over a series of rocky sections and ledges. Some of these involve quite a bit of scrambling but also offers good views. Some require using your hands. They aren’t necessarily technical climbing, but hikers should be comfortable with scrambling. Wet conditions could make these sections more difficult.
After the summit, the trail begins a steady descent along the ridge to the base of the trail to Passaconoway. It’s a few miles between the two summits and is slow going. After walking the ridge, you reach the start of the small Passaconoway loop. I also recommend doing this in a clockwise direction.
There are fewer views on this stretch of the trail and none from the Passaconoway summit.
After finishing the loop, the trail goes doesnhill to Ferncroft. This is a nice and gradual trail the goes along a river for part of the hike. This is generally easier than the other trails on the loop and we enjoyed a easy and gradual trail back to the parking lot.
Things to Know about the Whiteface and Passaconoway Loop Trail
The Trailhead and Parking
It’s important to note that parking is limited at the trailhead. Park in the Ferncroft parking lot. When this lot fills up do not park on the road – people have been ticketed and towed along this road.
Water
This is a long hike so make sure you have extra water. there are streams along portions of the route, but don’t rely on them as your only water source. Make sure to treat/filter any water collected along the trail.
Cell Service
Cell service is a inconsistent along this trail so make sure to download a map.
Alternative: Hike the summits separately
If you aren’t up for this milage, both summits can be done as separate hikes, and this may be a better option for hikers who want to experience the mountains without committing to the full loop.
