Pack Monadnocks Hike

On Saturday, April 30th, twelve of us met up for a day hike to the two Pack Monadnock peaks.  The day begun as overcast and chilly with a few stray sprinkles.  We got ready, did our usual introductions (particularly since we had 5 guys who were joining us for the first time) and we headed to the Wapack trail at 10:15AM (after waiting for one no-show).  This trail diverges from the road just beyond the gate and starts a moderately aggressive ascent over a rocky path.  Along the way there are a number of nice ledges with views south to Temple Mountain and to Mt Monadnock to the west.  We enjoyed a modest pace allowing everyone to stay pretty much together.  This of course provided for good conversation and a nice chance to get to know some of the new-comers.  We reached the summit of South Pack Monadnock at roughly 11:30AM.  While it was still overcast, the cload cealing was high and there were great views all around...including the Boston skyline in the distance.  After we got a chance to break and explore the summit with its firetower, we pressed on towards the North Pack peak, where we intended to have lunch.  The Wapack Trail descends steeply and settles into a broad col (there is a middle peak, but it is hardly decernable).  Here we also entered the Wapack National Wildlife Refuge...this is new and it was a surprise that some of this land is now designated as nationally-protected lands.  Continuing on, we reached the trail junction with the Cliff Trail.  We continued on the Wapack to the open summit, where we enjoyed our lunches.  It was 1:20PM and the clouds were finally breaking up with more and more sun.  Despite this, it was still chilly with a pretty good breeze.  We hung out and socialized...and soaked up the sun...until about 2PM, when we started off the summit along the Cliff Trail.  This trail meanders a bit along some open ledges with views to the east until it opens up along a dramatic cliff wall.  Here we enjoyed another relatively long break to take in the views, before descending the cliff and continuing along the trail until it met back up with the Wapack Trail for our return.  After reaching South Pack Monadnock again, we headed down the road rather than taking the Marion Davis Trail (the intended route), since some of the guys had to head back.  It was approximately 5:15PM when we reached the parking lot.  Four of the guys had to head out, while the remaining eight came back to my place in Jaffrey to hang out and have pizza.  We also celebrated Rich's birthday with some cake.  At a little past 8 we called it a day.

This turned out to be a wonderful day to hike despite the unsettled looking start of the day.  Thanks to everyone who joined me for the hike and a special welcome to Michael, Gary, Kevin, Stephen and Robin who successfully completed their first GO activity!  It was nice meeing you all and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again on another GO trip soon!

Join me for this 8-mile hike (approximate) which will ascend South Pack Monadnock (~2288') from the Miller State Park parking area.  South Pack Monadnock offers fine views over to its sister peak, Mt. Monadnock and on a clear day to Boston.  There is a manned fire tower on its summit.  The Wapack Trail descends off of South Pack Monadnock (somewhat steeply) into a long meandering col until it starts its ascent to the open summit of North Pack Monadnock.  The northern peak also has great views to the west of Mt. Monadnock.  We'll then descend off of the peak by way of the Cliff Trail, which offers dramatic views.  Depending on timing, this will be a nice place for lunch.  The Cliff Trail loops around the base until it re-joins the Wapack Trail.  From here we'll retrace our steps back over the south peak.  There is approximately 1600 feet in elevation gain.  This hike should take between 6 and 7 hours depending on timing for lunch and breaks.  There may be a parking fee at Miller State Park (if it's staffed). 

What to bring:  Typical spring hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and at least a windbreaker (and possibly fleece), as the summits/ridges may still be chilly and windy even on a nice day.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water. 

Depending on interest we'll have dinner and drinks in Peterborough  or come back to my place in Jaffrey for pizza and to hang out after the hike.