Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon:
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43.31380°N / 72.0745°W |
Elevation:
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2726 ft / 831 m |
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Overview
Mount Sunapee is a well known mountain for it's snowboarding and skiing during the winter months. It is often overrun with skiers and snowboarders from New Hampshire and Massachusetts for its great ski conditions and good location. The mountain consist of many intermediate runs and has 1510 feet vertical drop.
During the summer months though Mt. Sunapee becomes an enjoyable hiking destination. There are a number of options on hiking on Mt. Sunapee including the Andrews Brook Trail, Goshen Trail, Newberry Trail and the Solitude Trail. Most trails up Mt. Sunapee are class 1 and vary in length from 5.2 to 6.0 miles roundtrip and make great half day hikes.
The most famous and most written about is the class 1, 3.0 miles one way, Andrews Brook Trail. This trail ascends up the mountain following near Andrews Brook. Once up to the beautiful Lake Solitude the then ascends very close to the legendary White Cliffs viewing area with clearly the best views on the trail. To continue to the summit take the one mile class 1 Solitude Trail to the summit.
The Newbury Trail (class 1 with one steep pitch) has a great view north of Lake Sunapee from the trail and also runs into to the White Cliffs area. It also connect to the Lake Solitude Trail for a one mile traverse to the summit.
The class 1 Goshen Trail is a less exciting trail that strictly heads to the summit of Mt. Sunapee. However one can connect it with the Lake Solitude Trail ( a class 1 mile long traverse between Lake Solitude and Mt. Sunapee) to the White Cliffs area for amazing views.
White Cliffs View
Getting There
VIA ANDREWS BROOK TRAILHEAD: From NH 103 just east of Newberry take Mountain Rd for 1.2 miles. The trail which is very hard to spot will be on your right just before going over a small bridge over a brook. It is very hard to spot but if you hit a dirt road you have gone too far.
VIA NEWBURY TRAILHEAD: Trail is located Right where Lake Sunapee connects with NH 103. However parking is very scarce on this trail send most people to the village of Newbury to park.
VIA GOSHEN TRAILHEAD: Take NH 103 a mile toward the west of the Mt. Sunapee Ski Area entrance and head south on Brooks Road roughly two and a half mile where parking will be right on the ninety degree turn.
Red Tape
In winter fees ski trail fee must be paid if you are planning on climbing Mt. Sunapee due to the fact that is a ski area. In summer there are no trail fees for using the Andrews Brook Trailhead or Newberry Trail.
When To Climb
If you want to avoid trail fees from Mt. Sunapee which can be over $50 you want to wait until summer to summit the actual peak.
Camping
Camping is not allowed on this summit nor is nessessary. It is only six mile roundtrip hike from many trails. There is a lot of illegal camping here which has clearly did some damage around Lake Solitude.
Mountain Conditions
Here are two websites that will provided you the best information on conditions on Mount Sunapee.
Appalachian Mountain Club
Current Trail Conditions
Find ski conditions on this link.....
Current Skiing and Snowboarding Conditions at Mt. Sunapee
Summit Picture Log
Submit your hero (summit mugshot ) photo here.
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3 Routes
royswkr - Mar 25, 2006 3:35 pm - Hasn't voted
lots of updates neededIt is "Newbury" not "Newberry" You do not have to pay a trail fee in winter to use the hiking trails, I have climbed 3 different ways in winter & never paid There is a family/group campground in the park near the Sun Bowl lift/ Rim Trail start http://www.srkg.com/trail01map.htm Several trails are not described, including the Rim Trail which goes through old growth forest to White Ledges and the Summit Trail from the ski area which is part of the SRKG Trail