Flat Mountain Pond Backpack Camping

Our October backpack camping trip will be to Flat Mountain Pond Shelter on Columbus Day weekend (10/10–10/12) this year.

Flat Mountain Pond is located in the Sandwich Range on the south side of the White Mountains between Sandwich Dome and the Sleepers. The first half-mile of the hike follows the continuation of the gravel road (Bennett Street), through the privately-owned land of the Swift River Tree Farm, whose owners graciously provide access for hikers. We’ll be taking the Bennett Street Trail along Pond Brook. 0.3 miles past the junction for the Gleason Trail, we’ll come to Great Falls. At 2.1 miles from the trailhead we join the Flat Mountain Pond Trail, which follows the old grade of the World War I-vintage Beebe River Logging Railroad. From here it’s about 2.5 miles or so to our destination, the Flat Mountain Pond Shelter. (4.8 miles trailhead to shelter.)

There are 3 options for this trip.
Option 1: hike in on Saturday, set up camp, explore pond area, hike Sandwich Mtn (elev. 3993 ft) on Sunday, hike out on Monday
Option 2: hike in on Saturday, set up camp, explore pond area, hike out on Sunday
Option 3: hike in on Sunday, set up camp, explore pond area, hike out on Monday

If you are looking for more of a challenge, Option 1 is for you! (2 nights, more food and water, hiking an almost-4000 footer!)

See attached PDF for trip details and packing list.