Pack Monadnock Mountain

 The hike began with everyone assembled in the parking lot of Miller State Park. Yours truly driving into the lot with the sound of Van Halen's "Panama" blasting from my pick up truck stereo speakers. Just how butch is that? The sun was shining and the temperature was a comfortable 70 degree range with a very light breeze.

We began the trek ascending via the Wapack Trail in a forest of mixed maple, spruce and oak.  After a strenuous rocky start,  we managed as a group to keep a steady pace with a few rest breaks peppered here and there  as we made our destination towards the summit. Upon reaching the summit, a few took turns climbing the steps of the observation tower where views of the Boston sky line could be seen from 50 plus miles away in the distance.

After spending about  30 minutes enjoying the summit views, the group made our descent via the Marion Davis Trail.  Although strewn with boulders, this trail traverses much less strenuous terrain than the Wapack Trail. On the 1.4 mile hike down to the parking lot, we passed through airy, wooded dells and soft spoken streams along our merry way.

Our loop hike ended at about 4:15 PM at which point many of us decided to continue our socializing at a nearby diner. We replenished lost calories at Gary's Harvest Restaurant in Wilton Center where good old fashioned home cooked food and funny stories were shared  as we relaxed after what was a very fun and enjoyable afternoon trek in the beautiful fall season of the  Monadnock Region. 

My sincere thanks to all who signed up and made this trip immensely entertaining and enjoyable. Special thanks extended to Stephan who took many wonderful photos of our memorable afternnon adventure.

Cheers!

Lee Jeffers

 Please join me at Miller State Park for a moderate pace early fall season 2.8 mile loop hike that follows the Wapack Trail to the 2,290 ft summit  with decent via the Marion Davis Trail. The trek offers good views of the Contoocook River Valley. The Wapack trail has a few ledgy uphill sections that are moderately challenging but not overly strenuous. Arrival at the summit affords numerous mountain views that include but not limited to  Temple Mountain to the south, the Wapack Range to the southwest as well as  Mount Monadnock located 12 miles away. At the summit there is a 27 ft fire tower with accessible staircase. On a clear day Boston is visible from 55 miles away to the southeast.

Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails.   

There is a $4 per person adult admission fee to Miller State park. Please call the toll station at 603-924-3672 with any questions regarding the park's policies.