Mt. Monadnock

[kmac]

I was wondering if anyone had any trail suggestions for an easy to moderate hike maybe 4 hours long, up to Monadnock. I am visiting my dtr. up at Keene State and we've always wanted to explore the area, just not so sure where to begin. Thanks
kmac

 

[Mike P.]

While I prefer the Dublin (old Dublin?) Path , the easiest to find not at the State Park is probably the Half Way House & White arrow as it's right on Route 124.

Depending on your speed, time may be issue, most routes require about 90 minutes or so, possibly less to get up, less time down. Doing the Pumpelly which is 4.5 each way may be over 4 hours or if doable in that time may not leave enough time to enjoy all the open ledges.

 

[Bob Kittredge]

This site will show you most of the options: Monadnock Trails

The most direct routes are about 4 miles round trip with and elevation gain of about 1700 which puts them in the 3- to 4-hour range. The easiest to find are the White Dot and White Cross (main park entrance off of 104) or the Halfway House/White Arrow right on 104 (a couple of miles west of the main park entrance.) They'll give you a map when you come in, so you can pick a somewhat longer route to descend if decide you want to spend more time.

If you go on a weekend, try to get there before 10AM or you may have parking problems. No dogs.

 

[kmac]

Thanks

Thanks Mike and Bill.

 

[kerry13]

I like the White Dot-Cascade Link-Spellman-Pumpelly Trail. Takes you away from all the hords of people. Nice forested trails then nice ledges on the Spellman and once you get to Pumpelly it is all open ledge with great viewing to east and south. Then take White Dot or White -X down. Makes for a nice loop and will drop you back at the main parking lot. Easily done in 4 hours with a nice break up top. They'll give you a map at the parking area and the trails are pretty easy to pick up and follow.

 

[GlennS]

I'm with Kerry on this one. I love the Spellman and Pumpelly trail. If you want to make the hike a little longer, you can pass on the Spellman and follow the Cascade Link to the Pumpelly. If the summit is a mob scene, don't go any further than the Red Spot intersection. Then take the Red Spot back to the Cascade Link. I find this to be much more pleasant than the actual summit when its crowded.

Have fun.
Glenn

 

[Mike P.]

I did a variation of the loop kerry suggested in reverse, it's nice too. I think I like the reverse though as you get the solitude on the way down which I think I like better.

 

[Flatlander_SG]

FYI....

Dogs are not allowed on Mt. Monadnock .............just in case you were planning on bringing one along.

 

[brianW]

If you are coming from Keene, take 101 east then 124 (either south or east) towards Jaffery. You will come to the Toll Rd trailhead first. There are many great loop options from this area. Going over Monte Rosa or Bald Rock are good optons. Also this lot is parking area is smaller then the main lot so less of a crowd especially if you try to stay off White Arrow.

If you cont. on 124 for about 4 miles the rd heading to the main parking area (headquarters) will be on the left. There is a sign. This time of year the weakends are very busy. The above hiking loops using Cascade and Spellmen are good. I prefer Cascade all the way to Pumpelly. Another good one is to use Parker, Lost Farm and Cliffwalk then cont to the summit.


If time is very limitted and you can only get out for an hour or two I would suggest skipping Monadnock and hiking Gap Mt. This IMO has the best views of the Monadnock area, mainly because you have an aweome view of Monadnock 4 miles away.

To get there take rt. 12 south from Keene, a few miles south of Troy, NH you will pass a dinner on the left, take the next left. (there is a sign for upper gap mt rd) The trail is just shy of 3 miles round trip.

brianW

 

[kmac]

thanks

Thanks for all the good info!