Sandwich via Algonquin and Smarts Brook | 7/13/25

Sandwich Mountain has somehow seen me three times in the last three years. I don't hold disdain for the peak, but it's rarely the highlight of the hike. On my first ascent, I enjoyed sweeping views down to Black Mountain Pond and the falls of Pond Brook. On my second visit, I enjoyed summiting Jennings for the 360-degree views that Sandwich doesn't have. And today, my favorite part of the day was once again not the peak, but the ledges ascending the Algonquin Trail.

Situated in the South West corner of its namesake Wilderness, Sandwich Mountain is just under 4000-feet and stands prominently above its neighbors: Black, Jennings, Flat Mountain Pond, Noon, Welch, and Dickey. While less rocky than some of the neighbors, there are still some excellent ridge climbs to be had up Algonquin and Black Mountain Pond Trails- my two favorites in the area.

Today, Charlie and I did a fun carspot from Algonquin to Smart's Brook Trail. Algonquin is notably located near the height of land on Sandwich Notch Road- a very rough and rocky seasonal road. Unfortunately, I forgot that Charlie drives a car with a couple of inches of clearance, which was slightly problematic. Thankfully, we made it up alright and had a much easier time getting my trail-tired SUV up later to hand off. Make note of the road conditions and limited parking when going out this way!

Early entrance to the wilderness

After bottoming out the car a few times, we started up the Algonquin Trail. Algonquin was fairly flat before booting up on some rock steps; that momentum held throughout. We gained enough to slow us down, but not enough to stop us from yell-talking on the way up, a sign of a nice ascent! Despite the trail being on the T25, there is only one section that calls for any notoriety. The photo never does justice, but it was just a decently chiseled rock hugging a tree that requires a somewhat exposed pivot. Nothing compared to what I've been putting myself through recently, though, so it was pretty enjoyable.

Rock steps

The "terror"

As we passed the saddle with Black Mountain, the climb intensified briefly before easing up a mossy hardwood ridge. This point on was familiar to me since I'd hiked it with my Black Mountain Pond loop. Soon, we reached the summit of Sandwich, where we began to see other hikers. After a snack break, we didn't hang around for too long and soon pursued the Smart's Brook Trail.

Looking towards Welch Dickey from Algonquin Ledges

Sandwich Mountain summit

After a brief section of the Sandwich Mountain Trail, we peeled left down Smart's Brook, which was surprisingly steep at first. Of course, I read the topography, but the unexpected part was how we dropped entirely on dirt, rather than ledges or scrambles like before. At times, I had to jog to manage my momentum, but for the most part, the descent was only significant in the first half mile.

Easy woods coming down

As we got to running water, the trail eased significantly, and we lowered gently back towards Route 49. Towards the end, the trail widens to ATV level comfort, and we started to pass the neighboring Tri-Town and Yellowjacket trails. Not every junction is signed in here, as many are for winter use, but most will eventually return to the Smarts Brook Trailhead- keep an eye on the GPS!

We rolled back into the trailhead after about 4.5 hours of hiking- one of my faster hikes this month, but also the first without high exposure. Each has its time and place, but I certainly prefer hikes where I can move fast without unintentional cliff diving!

Stats: 10.74 miles, 2604 gain