The Granite Roots of Mt Monadnock – Part 1
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.
Brad Brad
Artist’s Bluff Fall Hike – Tips & Info
Artist’s Bluff. One of the most iconic viewpoints of the White Mountains of New Hampshire in breathtaking fall. So iconic that you can expect the mountain to be swamped with people during peak hours in Autumn. Join us as we hike Bald Mountain and Artist’s Bluff and learn tips to beat the crowds, what the terrain is like, what to wear - and if you’re allergic to crowds, some alternative hikes.
Best Easy Hikes in New Hampshire: Mt Parker
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a hiker’s paradise. While tourists love to flock to iconic peaks such as Mt Washington or Lafayette, there’s hundreds of additional hikes at your disposal.
One such hike is Mt Parker, which on the New Hampshire 52 With a View list. This is a list of 52 mountains under 4000 feet that offer stellar views despite their lower stature.
Join us as we hike Mt Parker in the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest.
Transcription
The Mt Parker trail head can be found near Barlett, New Hampshire near Attitash Ski Resort right on the banks of the Saco River.
Overall, the hike is 7.3 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Overall, this was a pretty easy hike. Unlike most New England trails, the trail was almost void of rocks and roots for its entirety and there were no technical sections that required scrambling up rocks.
There were even some switchbacks. Am I in Colorado, or am I in New Hampshire?!
In terms of grade and technicality, there’s not many trails easier than this one in the White Mountains.
I just recommend bringing a bug net and an ample amount of bug spray if you’re doing this hike in the summer.
Hiking Mt Parker
You start out on the trail following an old logging road which quickly turns into a proper trail with two minor creek crossings.
This was where the bugs were the worst which motivated us to go faster.
The trail never got too steep and was mostly a gradual ramp the entire way up with a handful of rooty sections.
In order to get to the peak, you must first hike over a ridge which means you’ll descend by ~500 feet until you start to go uphill again.
Eventually, you’ll get higher in elevation, the tree types will change and the bugs almost completely disappear for the last mile and a half or so.
At the Peak of Mt Parker
At the peak, you’ll be met with a grand view of the Presidentials, including Mt Washington, its boot spur as well as nearby mountains such as Webster, Stairs and Resolution.
This is a very unique viewpoint, especially if you don’t want to hike a mountain like Mt Isolation which is a much much longer day.
The skies were a little hazy due to wildfires out West and in Canada but was still a beautiful day nonetheless.
When we got back to the car we dipped our feet into the Saco River. This is also a popular swimming spot so don’t be surprised if the parking lot is full of swimmers.
Moat Mountain Brewing
Afterwards, we went to one of our favorite places in the White Mountains, Moat Mountain in North Conway. This brewpub not only has a great selection of brews such as the blueberry ale shown here, but has an extensive menu of great food to choose from. We ordered the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and a Cajun Burger, but pretty much everything on the menu is above average. I’ve been to Moat Mountain at least a dozen times now and have never been disappointed.