Mount Monadnock literally defines southwestern New Hampshire (aka the Monadnock Region). It is said to be one of the most climbed mountains in the world. I have climbed it at least a dozen times ranging from early spring through autumn on a variety of its many trails including the morning of my wedding which was held in view of the mountain. The White Arrow Trail is the easiest route up the mountain going past the site of the former Halfway House hotel. Even that trail gets a little tough near the top. The longest trail is said to be the Pumpelly Trail at over 4 miles one way. My favorite route is one I found on a local activities brochure at Eastern Mountain Sports (whose headquarters is 15 miles north) when I first moved to the area 20 years ago. Start at the Old Toll Road parking area. Half way to the Halfway House site, turn right onto Parker Trail to Cliff Walk which brings you to Bald Rock, a lower peak. From here, you’ll have a good view of the summit and the surrounding valley. Take the Smith Connecting Link to the White Cross Trail and follow that to the summit. Take some time to rest and take in the spectacular 360 degree views of mountains, lakes, farms, villages, and, on a clear day, the skyscrapers of Boston. Return to the parking lot by way of the White Arrow Trail. Plan for 5 to 6 hours taking this route. While you can reach the summit and return to your car in under two hours by a more direct route, this route is more peaceful giving you a better sense of what Henry David Thoreau might have experienced when he climbed the mountain in the mid-1800s.
Shopping Cart
