Join me Saturday, February 6th, for a day of fun easy to moderate hiking at Miller State Park, Pack Monadnock.

If you’ve been thinking of trying winter hiking, this one is for you!  The park gates are closed in winter but open to hiking and outdoor recreational use all winter.  We will assemble at the gate, hike up the Wapack Trail, 1.4 miles to Pack Monadnock at 2,290’ for a total elevation gain of 840’.  From the summit we will continue on 2.3 Miles to North Pack at 2,200’.  Between the two summits we will descend and ascend 400’.  We’ll return to Pack Monadnock and connect with the Marion Davis Trail for a 1.4 mile steady descent back to the parking area.

I hiked this late summer with a friend from New York and I’m eager to experience the winter version.  We will hike at a moderate pace with short breaks for hydration and lunch.  For more information about the park and a brief history, go to:  http://www.nhstateparks.com/miller.html

It has been a mild winter though I’m delighted to experience some colder temps and light snow cover this weekend (January 18).  Predicting trail conditions can be difficult but I would expect light snow cover and the possibility of ice, so bring traction such as micro spikes.  My recent hikes further north in New Hampshire called for Micro Spikes on a base layer of 6 to 8 inches of snow.  This trail climbs at a reasonable pace with no rock scrambles and levels out in places.  The forest is pristine and the trails are well marked with blazes. We will be taking short breaks as needed and lunch along the way, probably at the North Pack summit. Have hand warmers as a backup in case your hands get cold.  A major snow storm between now and February 6th may precipitate the need for snowshoes – could we be so lucky!  

It’s February, temps will likely hover at or below freezing, so water should be packed in wide mouth bottles. The Camelback tubes/Hydration devices freeze up (I learned the hard way) at 32 degrees even with insulation ~ do not bring them.  Insulated wide mouth bottles is the way to go. A little bird suggested a thermos with hot cider or tea to drink while having lunch is quite the treat.  No cotton and dress in layers – staying warm is very easy when dressed appropriately.

Directions:  Park Address is 13 Miller Park Road (Route 101), Peterborough, NH  03458.  We’ll meet at the gate for 9:45am and start hiking promptly at 10am.  Parking is along the roadway.  To my knowledge there is no winter fee for parking.