Whiteside Mountain

From the parking lot, there is one trail that heads out of the lot and into the forest. Just .1 miles in you have the choice to go left or right. The ascent on the left is a gravel road that goes up at a nice even grade to the top. If you go right, the ascent is quicker and you get to the views quicker, but the going is a bit more strenuous. Much of the southeast part of the trails has fenced-in viewing areas with various bits of White Mountain history and geology. The fences protect you from a 1000' vertical drop, and some may even be uncomfortable approaching the fenceline. Various side trails circumvent the fences so be careful if you choose to approach the edge on any of the side trails. Ice, water, dry oak leaves or a whole lot of other things can lead to a quick, certain, and spectacular death. If you remain on trail, you'll be able to enjoy the scenic views from a safe distance. As you continue on the loop, you'll begin either the gentle, graded descent, or a steeper singletrack descent. Either way you decide to go, you'll be able to enjoy the spectacular views as you work you way back to the car.