Hiking Mt Monadnock in Southern New Hampshire

• Region: Southern New Hampshire
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 3.8 Miles
• Elevation: 3,165 Feet
• Elevation Gain: 1,774 Feet
• Trail Map: AllTrails
• Website: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park

In the Footsteps of Emerson and Thoreau

Maybe just as momentous as my ascent of Mt Washington last year, I finally got around to hiking one of America’s fabled peaks – Mt Monadnock. Forever enshrined in the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and David Thoreau, Monadnock is one of the few peaks whose name is now the stuff of legends.

Outcircling the Philosophers

“Almost without interruption we had the mountain in sight before us,—its sublime gray mass—that antique, brownish-gray, Ararat color. Probably these crests of the earth are for the most part of one color in all lands, that gray color of antiquity, which nature loves.”

• David Thoreau

So I arrived at Monadnock State Park, rolling in around 8 am, parking pass in hand (or on my phone at least). Note, that if you’re planning to hike Monadnock, you need to make parking reservations beforehand. It costs $16, but I was able to easily book one just two days before my hike. Note that you might want to book farther ahead if it is a particularly popular weekend. I drove up to the park ranger who gave me a typical spiel of leave no trace and that this will be a strenuous hike, not for the faint of heart. I thanked the ranger despite thinking to myself of all the hiking I’ve done in the past year, including several 5k footers.

Parking was plentiful. I quickly got my gear in order and started hiking. There’s a gift shop and bathrooms at the main trailhead which are welcomed amenities for any day hike.

The trail started out wide and fairly gentle soon going from a gradual incline to majestic wooden steps. I passed several groups of hikers as I sped along my way in the warm morning sun.

Stand Thou, Great Sentinel!  

After a mile of hiking, things started to get vertical. I mean when there’s over 1,500 feet of elevation gain in such a short distance, there’s really only one direction to go.

The White Dot trail meandered up steep rock faces, often requiring me to use my hands to pull myself up. It wasn’t long before I was out of the trees and could look back and enjoy the astounding views of the New Hampshire countryside.

Overall, this was a magical hike. Even if you get tired from the strenuous ascent, you can always take a breather and take in the commanding view.

Eventually, I got to a part beyond my ability following the marked blazes. I climbed on my hands and knees only to find myself not able to safely progress, and due to my trekking poles, not able to scramble back down. Eventually, I was able to position my poles to be able to safely lower myself back down and found a less steep alternative route up the rock face. 

Soon I encountered a flat section of trail which was a joy to simply look out onto the world below from.

At the Summit of Mt Monadnock

With the peak in sight, there were just a few sections of steep climbs over exposed rocks. This definitely isn’t a hike for icy or slick conditions. One wrong step could have you sliding easily 100 feet down the mountain side. But today was warm without a cloud in the sky, and while strenuous, hiking up the bald slopes of Monadnock has been one of the most unique experiences of my hiking career so far.

After hiking much of the New Hampshire 48 4k footers, many of which offer limited views at the peak, I was completely blown away. Mt Monadnock offers unparalleled 360 degree views from the perfectly bald summit. Not bad for a peak just over 3,000 feet. 

After I snapped a few pics, I settled in to enjoy the view. There’s not a bad view in the room and the peak was spacious enough to handle a large number of hikers who no doubt would crowd the summit later in the day.

However, for a moment, it was just me, Monadnock and a handful of other hikers who made the early ascent.

Off to the Granite Roots

After I took my fill of views, I descended via the White Cross Trail which was entirely free of hikers. I soon rejoined the main trail and passed by throngs of hikers on their way to the summit.

In just 3 hours, I hiked Monadnock and made it back to the trailhead. By this time I was ready to celebrate by taking a trip to nearby Granite Roots Brewery in Troy, NH.

Read on in part 2 of the adventure.