[VAULT] Potash Mountain (White Mountain National Forest)

Potash Mountain (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Eyeglasses Loop

Distance: 12.76 miles

Elevation: 3,478 feet

Time: 7 hours, 57 minutes (6 hours, 59 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: New Hampshire 4000 Footers; Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Hike #2 for the day! This would end up being one of my biggest solo days so far, with over 12 miles and 4,000 feet. My legs were DEAD by the end, but the view up top was incredibly rewarding! From Sandwich Mountain/Jennings Peak, I drove over to the Kancamagus Highway to the Mt. Potash trailhead. I hiked onto the Downes Brook Trail and soon turned onto the Mt. Potash Trail. Soon after, I crossed the wide Downes Brook on a slow, but easy rock hop, and continued through the woods. Over time, the trail began to get slabbier and slabbier, really kicking up a fire in my quads. Thankfully, all the burning was rewarded with first a commanding view toward Mt. Passaconaway, then Mt. Chocorua with the Sisters, and finally the best view out toward Mt. Carrigain with the Presidentials to the far right. Really beautiful! The return trip was quick and easy, and I was sore for a few days later.

Step-By-Step

- From parking area, start hike on Downes Brook Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Mt. Potash Trail.

- At summit, retrace steps.

Originally written and posted Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 at 7:48am.