Scar Ridge, also called Scar Ridge West Peak, sits at 3,774 feet in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains near Lincoln. Flanked by Loon Mountain to the west and Mount Osceola to the east, the peak is part of a three-summited ridge (West, Middle, and East) and carries a reputation among list-baggers as one of the more demanding bushwhacks in New England. Reaching the summit requires off-trail navigation through dense forest; there is no maintained trail.
The standard approach departs from Loon Mountain Ski Resort. From the lodge, hikers climb the Brookway ski trail, then the Lower Walking Boss and Upper Walking Boss runs (both black diamond), gaining substantial elevation with open views that disappear once the trees close in. Near the top of the Upper Walking Boss, just below the North Loon quad, a yellow sign marks the start of a herd path. The path runs roughly 0.6 miles before giving out entirely, at which point open bushwhacking begins. Navigating to the wooded, viewless summit demands solid map-and-compass or GPS skills; thick brush, blowdowns, and uneven terrain can slow progress to a quarter mile per hour. A canister and summit sign mark the high point. Round-trip distance typically runs 8 to 10 miles depending on the line taken through the whack.
Bugs are severe in summer and full-coverage clothing is worth the discomfort. Icy conditions on the ski slopes make cold-season attempts more committing and require traction devices.
