Sandwich Mt & Jennings Peak, NH

• 4-star hike
• 6 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 2,080 to 2,740 feet
• Waterville Valley, NH | White Mountains
. 52-With-A-View

a person standing on a rocky outcrop, gazing over a vast forest with mountain ranges in the distance. The mix of green and orange leaves suggests it’s autumn. It’s a beautiful and tranquil scene, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty.

Waterville Valley views heading up Sandwich Mt Trail.

The trail up the northern flanks of Sandwich Mountain begins at Route 49 just around the corner from the Waterville Valley resort. Promising great unspoilt natural surroundings in the Sandwich Range Wilderness, the route to the summit takes in two other peaks and includes several great scenic viewpoints. A shorter hike concluding at Jennings Peak also provides much of the same experience, except without the last mile and the views from atop Sandwich Mountain.

There are two trails out of the trailhead that converge at a junction just below Jennings Peak. Sandwich Trail takes 2.4 miles and Drakes Brook Trail 3.1 miles to reach this point. We recommend setting out on a counter clockwise route up the steeper Sandwich Trail with its mountain vista lookouts and returning on the longer Drakes Brook Trail with no such viewpoints, but with a pleasant leafy stroll parallel to Drakes Brook.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Sandwich Mountain 8.0 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 2740 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Jennings Peak 6.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 2080 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The spur trail from the junction to Jennings peak is the steepest part of these trails, but is also mercifully short. From this 3,406 foot summit Sandwich Mountain seems quite hike away but in fact it's less than a mile distant.

The final 0.9 mile hike to Sandwich Mountain offers no views until you reach the summit. At 3,983 feet in elevation it looks like folks have been trying to add more rocks to peak to make this a New Hampshire four thousand footer, but up here there's still plenty to see from this peak that overlooks Waterville Valley.

Conditions on these trails are moderate. At the outset of the hike expect a crossing of Drakes Brook requiring some careful rock to rock balancing. After this there's only a single small scramble on Sandwich Mountain Trail near Noon Peak, and some short wet sections where the brook interferes with Drakes Brook Trail on the return leg. Also note that Drakes Brook Trail sticks to the west side of the brook and does not cross the water until you're almost back at the trailhead.

two scenes side by side, both featuring individuals hiking in a forested area. On the left, a person in a blue shirt and shorts is crossing a small stream, while on the right, another person in a red shirt and beige pants is hiking on a leaf-covered trail. Both scenes suggest early autumn with green and yellow leaves.

River crossing in both directions. | Steep section to Jennings Peak

a group of hikers on a rocky mountain trail, surrounded by sparse vegetation and a few tall trees. The background features a panoramic view of rolling mountains under a clear blue sky.

More Sandwich Mountain Trail views.

a person sitting on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast mountainous landscape. The individual is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a blue shirt, with their back facing the camera. They appear to be resting or contemplating the view, surrounded by dense green foliage and clear blue skies.

Mount Sandwich summit, just shy of 4,000 feet elevation.

Tangents:
• Public Map at AllTrails: Sandwich O&B, Sandwich Loop, Jennings Peak
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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