Mt Monadnock Fall Loop Hike

Since everyone had dropped off the list, I arrived at the park headquarters a little late...by about 9:15AM.  It was mostly sunny with a definitely chill in the air (around 40).  

I quickly got ready and headed to the start of the White Dot Trail.  As the most traveled trail on the mountain this was pretty wide, but narrowed as it approached the trail split for the White Cross Trail.  I made it to this point in little time...by 9:30.  I continued on the White Dot Trail to the junction of the Cascade Link, which only took another 5 minutes.  This trail meandered through the woods passing the junction with the Harling Trail until it eventually met up with the Birchtoft Trail.  At this point the trail turned up the mountain and passed the junction for the Red Spot and Spellman Trails.  I continued on as the trail began to climb more aggressively.  By 10AM there were eastward views from ledge after ledge.  It was becoming more cloudy, but the views and the autumn color were wonderful.  By 10:20 I reached the Pumpelly Trail and headed westward towards the summit.  As I emerged from the trees along the ridge, the wind increased and the temperature was more brisk.  In another 15 minutes I crossed over the Town Line Summit and by 10:45 I had met up with the upper junction for the Spellman Trail.  I continued along the Pumpelly Trail and it was colder and more exposed as this section was particularly exposed to the wind for much of the remaining way to the summit.  At 11 I reached the upper junction with the Red Spot Trail and in only 15 more minutes I was standing on the summit of Mount Monadnock (3165').  There were maybe a couple of dozen other hikers up here, but it was hardly crowded yet.  The views were great in all directions.  I stayed on the summit for only about 10-15 minutes before deciding to continue with the day's hike.

The original plan was to descend the summit via the Smith Summit Trail; however, I decided I would make this hike a bit longer.  I headed down the western side of the mountain following the Marlboro Trail.  I passed Jim's Junction at 11:30 and pressed on until I reached the junction for the Marion Trail in about another 20 minutes.  I took this trail to circumnavigate around the mountain for the return.  This has always been one of my favorite areas on the mountain, as it has usually not been used by alot of other hikers.  After re-entering the trees and descending a little further, I decided to take my lunch break near a moss-covered brook (noon).  After lunch I continued on and by 12:20 I came across the intersection with the Great Pasture Trail.  This trail climbed the shoulder peak known as Mount Rosa.  This trail was fairly steep in grade, but it took little time to reach the peak and its weather vane.  It was 12:30 and the views looking back towards the mountain were good.  I continued to re-climb the mountain to the junction with the Amphitheater Trail.  Taking the Amphitheater Trail I passed through the the steep ledges of the Black Precipice and crossed the White Arrow Trail.  By just before 1PM I joined the Smith Connecting Trail and headed south for Bald Peak, which only took a few minutes.  This sub peak had good views back towards the mountain and over the surrounding areas.  Here the trail became the Cliff Walk and descending this I passed over Thoreau's Seat and met up with the Lost Farm Trail.  There was another open ledge near this junction.  After this the trail meandered down the mountain back towards the park headquarters.  At almost 2PM this intersected with the Parker Trail and shortly thereafter passed the town reservoir before reaching the trailhead again.  It was 2:15PM and the parking lots were totally packed.  I called it a day and drove home.

It was a great day out on the mountain.  The autumn color was peak and was beautiful.  Even the company was fantastic (the other voices in my head were rather kind to me during the day)!

Total distance and elevation gain:  Approximately 8.0 miles with about 2400 feet in cumulative gain.

Join me for this 6.25 mile hike up Mount Monadnock (3165 foot elevation).  Mount Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the world and makes for a perfect day hike, particularly this time of year.  We'll hike from the park headquarters and take less popular trails to the summit to stay away from the crowds (Cascade Link to Pumpelly).  From the summit, we'll return via Bald (Kiasticuticus) Peak and the Cliff Walk.  There will be ample views along the open ridge and ledges along the way. 

Total Distance, Elevation Gain and Terrain:  6.25 miles with approximately 1800 feet in elevation gain.  Most of this will be modest in grade with about half of it over open, rocky, exposed granite with some short steep stretches.  NOTE:  With all the connecting trails on the mountain, this hike can easily be adapted based on our progress through the day.

Total Time:  5-6 hours depending on breaks and the group's speed.

IMPORTANT:  This is NOT a dog-friendly hike as pets are not permitted in the park.  There is a $5 admission fee per person for entrance to the state park.

What to bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, extra layer(s) (as needed) and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  NO JEANS!  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike easily by 4PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we can grab an early dinner/drinks in Jaffrey...or just hang out at my place.