For a mere $15 cash you can access some pristine hiking opportunities. I have trekked these grounds in all 4 seasons. Each has its own unique set of challenges and joys. Whether it is ice and snow with trax on or wet leaves on a steep incline, you can bet on a challenge. The most commonly used trail up the mountain is the 2 mile (one way), White Dot trail. It is well marked and easily followed. The elevation gain is rapid, as this is a shorter hike. The views are absolutely stellar from the summit. There is a small shop at the base and you receive a map upon entry with basic guidelines and trails. If you are into the outdoors, I highly recommend this spot! Laces up! read more

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Things to note before reading this: 1) I'm a beginner hiker 2) My legs get me from point A to B but they are not strong once resistance is involved lol so leg day is always my biggest challenge and because of this... 3) I'm always the slow hiker of the group and I like to take my time I came here last year on a Saturday at the end of October. I went with some friends who have hiked this mountain before. I went into this hike without looking up what to expect, I knew it was going to be challenging but boy was I in for a surprise. I just went with what my friends who invited me said. So the parking at the first trailhead was full and found parking at the second trailhead (Gilson Pond parking), which is the Red Dot Trail, and was our group's first time doing. It was my first official mountain hike. The Red Dot trail was quite a challenge since it involved a lot of climbing once you got to the midway point. There was a boulder that took me a while to overcome and after that there was more to climb and "oh my God" (Janice from Friends voice) reactions to seeing these climbs. We started at around 9am and stopped just right below the peak at 12pm. One person in our group completed the hike and went up to the peak. We had breakfast as we experienced the view then we took the White Dot Trail back down and connected to the Red Dot Trail to get back to the Gilson Pond Parking Lot I think we got back to the car close to 3pm. It was a sunny 60-70 degree morning and I was mostly in a t-shirt throughout the entire hike but I needed my jacket at the peak because of that windchill and the cloud cover. I was sore everywhere for the next week. ---------- Fast forward to this October, my husband and another friend wanted to do a Fall/Autumn hike. I found a site with all the New England hikes and experience levels. I saw that Mount Monadnock was in the advanced category and I very proud of myself for doing it last year. Anyway they decided on Mount Monadnock the night before. I still had trauma from last year's experience so I did my research this time and we decided on the White Dot Trail. We went yesterday which was a Saturday on the holiday weekend. Clear sunny day. The parking for the White Dot Trail was full again and the park ranger at the gate said all 3 parking lots are full from reservations. So reservations are encouraged! We drove all this way and were determined to do a hike so thankfully he suggested we could do the Dublin Trail which is about the same distance to the peak as the White Dot Trail. The Dublin Trail trailhead is a first come first serve parking lot so it's free parking and there's a donation box for the park that is welcomed. Based on my research the night before, someone on Reddit said this is a nice trail for beginners and I can confirm that it is since I am still a beginner hiker. It was a gentler incline, it still worked my legs, than the Red Dot Trail with easier /moderate climbs. We started at 9am again and got to peak at 10:50am. We left the peak at 11:30 and got back to the car at 1:10pm. So roughly 3hrs roundtrip, including stopping to take photos on the way up and down- 4hrs including a break to eat. It was a chilly morning in the 60s, I started in 3 layers (tshirt, a winter running long-sleeve, and a thermal jacket) at the start and by 30 minutes in I was down to my tshirt. I was in a t-shirt for most of the hike, closer to the peak I had to add a layer. We were able to find a spot on the peak to shield us from the wind because it was ripping. I was fine in the two layers with the help of the shield of a rock from the wind but outside of that protection I needed my 3rd layer and cover for my ears. A layer with a hoodie would have been great but I didn't have that so I was glad I packed a winter head band to cover my ears. What was funny was seeing how much my white jacket puffed up from the wind, I felt like the Michelin Mascot. About 15 minutes on the way down I started to shed layers again. What a difference the temperature drastically feels between the peak and below the peak. One thing I loved about the time of month of this hike was how beautiful the ground was to look at, at the start of the hike. You spend so much time looking down on the ground on these kind of hikes because of the terrain it's such a bore. I tried to take a photo of how pretty the leaves on ground were but the photo still doesn't do it justice. I've never seen such tricolor foliage on the ground, it's always yellow or brown. read more

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Amazing place to go hiking! I'm usually a big fan of the White Mountains, but this is a good place to go if you're looking for something a bit less challenging or have less experienced hikers with you. You can also reserve a parking spot in advance, so you don't need to worry about getting there too early to find a spot. When you get to the gates, be ready to show the employees your reservation. The trails and facilities are really nicely maintained. The trails were fairly busy and I felt safe all along the route. For that alone, I think it's worthwhile to make a reservation. I just wish there was more to do in some of the nearby towns, but it's a fairly sleepy area. Nevertheless, it's not too far from Boston, so it makes the perfect day trip. I hope to visit again sometime soon! read more

Monadnock State Park - The Peak - Hiking Near Me - Jaffrey, New Hampshire

Today I hiked Mount Monadnock, solo. The mountain is the second most hiked mountain in the world only second to Mount Fuji. The mountain is a bit less than 3200' with a prominence of 2100'. Perhaps the southernmost mountain above tree line. I chose the White Dot Trail and although it is advertised as "strenuous" and I thought it was a nice direct hike to the top, it was more a strenuous mountain climb, as some of the segments were well greater than a 45° angle. On the way back, I went down the Cross Trail, which although steep, was less strenuous. If anyone is going up, good non-slip hiking shoes are a must. Some of the sheer rock climbs could result in injury for someone who may not be wearing proper equipment. The views from the top are magnificent, even more so during Fall. With my PeakFinder app, I located most of the White Mountains to the North, Vermont's Green Mountains to the West, and the visibility was clear enough to see the towns west of Boston. There were easily a couple of hundred people doing the trail, even people whose footwear was questionable for a challenging climb. The best part of the hike was hiking in Fall after the first frost. NO BUGS! And the views of foliage in full Fall colors we're spectacular. read more

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Needing an escape from the city (Boston) and wanting to get some fresh air and exercise, my roommates and I made our way to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire one crisp Sunday morning. We typed "Mount Monadnock" into Google Maps - be warned: this takes you to a smaller, side entrance that does not provide access to the White Dot or White Cross trails. The park ranger kindly redirected us to the main entrance/gate where we could access those two trails. There were lots of people out hiking but also ample parking. They have restrooms and a water refill station at the base before you begin your hike. The cost is $5 per person. We weren't quite sure what we were getting ourselves into but we set out on our hike anyways. We took the White Dot trail up to the summit and then came back down the White Cross trail. The White Dot trail is advanced - very steep and requires good climbing shoes and a certain level of cardio fitness. I consider myself pretty in shape and I was struggling. It took us about 2/2.5 hours to make it to the summit (we stopped occasionally to take pictures and catch our breath). At the top, the views were stunning and well worth all the cardio input. We enjoyed our lunch up there (behind a boulder because it was pretty windy and cold). We made our way down the White across trail in no time. It only took an hour coming back down. Round trip, with our lunch break, it took us almost exactly 4 hours. What a gorgeous hike - and great workout. read more

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My first serious hike in winter in New England. I moved to MA a few month ago, I am an avid hiker but not much done in winter (I was in CA). Now I got microspikes and tried Monadnock summit. I followed white dot trail, which is least difficult according to the ranger at trailhead. Some portions were icy and steep, but it was rewarding. Great view from the top! read more

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I love hiking here. Tons of people come on the weekends with their kids so it's fun to take the slightly harder trails up and down. It's easy and only takes a few hours to summit and come back down. Beautiful up top! There were a lot of bugs in June so bring bug spray! read more

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Super Nice Hike and Beautiful Scenery! well, you know what they say. When in New Hampshire, you better get out and see some nature in New Hampshire! After checking places out on yelp monadnock state park definitely lived up to its reviews with a super happy nice hike the combined nice flat trails with a whole bunch of Boldery rocks and stuff that you get to go over as you wiggle your way through the trees and up and around the mountain. Once you get to the top it is amazingly chili and super super windy so don't forget to bring something extremely warm to wear while you are out there. When you are on top of the mountain the 360° panoramic views are quite great, and make you wonder why you live in Arizona when you could live in someplace that is so beautiful like New Hampshire. Now Donna wants to move to New Hampshire.... read more

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Mt. Monadnock just might be my favorite mountain yet. From Connecticut, it's about a 2 hour drive, super accessible and doable for a day trip. The weather that day was absolutely perfect--in the 60s at the base and probably in the 40s at the summit. The trails are very clearly marked, well-trafficked and speckled with the occasional ranger. We went up via the white dot and down via the white cross. Although the place was PACKED at 10am, it still only took us a couple hours to reach the ridge, even in spite of the multiple bottlenecks when it came to ascending the vertical terrain. Time particularly flew by because I kept whipping out my phone to document the views. I couldn't get over how beautiful the sights were from the topography of the land to the variety of flora. It was just such a perfect day and such a new experience for this New England newbie! Mt. Monadnock also provides a decent amount of scrambling so it felt like a real solid hike. I definitely skipped my workout for the day because of it! Walking the ridge at the top was a real rush especially when you caught a 270 degree view of the rest of the park below. The summit is fairly expansive and there was plenty of rock to claim for a lunch spot even with the large crowd. We scarfed down our lunches and snapped what must have been a hundred more pictures to document our achievement and to preserve those awe-inspiring views forever. Our trek down was even faster. I almost wanted to slow down the group just so that I'd be able to absorb it all. It's always somewhat tricky trying to admire the trees at eye-level when you're watching your step and trying not to trip over yourself on the way down. While the visit did cost us a $5 entry fee, the experience and memories were priceless. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. If you haven't been, I'd highly recommend it. I can't wait to go back!!! read more

We live 7 minutes away from this beautiful mountain. I have been there twice this year. The park is kept clean and the staff are extremely helpful and kind. Only complaint is we still have to pay to go, even though we are residents of Jaffrey, and have conservation plates. Get off your butt and go hike Mt. Monadnock. read more

White Cross/White dot is difficult but worth it! If you come in the Dublin side its much easier. Either way its definitely a great place to hike!! read more

$5 per person entrance fee to access the park and it's facilities. Under 12 is free or less, I didn't ask which it was because none in our car was under that age. We came in a group of six so we paid $30 for the fun of climbing up a rocky mountainside full of deer flies and people. Was it worth the fee and the pests along the trail? Heck ya! We started our hike on the far less traveled Parker Trail which connected to the White Cliff Trail and came down the White Dot Trail. Coming down the White Dot Trail I was thankful for the solitude of the beginning of our hike. (Don't get me wrong, other hikers are friendly but we all just tend to get in each other's way and we end up doing the hikers dance {2 steps forward, side step, 2 steps back and swing your partner down the hill.}) It was a challenging hike...I'd not recommend it for kids 6 and under unless you are inclined to piggy back them up the mountain and back down. On our way down, I overheard young children complaining and asking how far they were to the top when they'd only had gone less than half a mile. The reward of the hike is the fresh blueberries along the trail (during the summer months), the exercise and fresh air, rock scrambles and the view at the top. read more

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It is a small and quaint park in beautiful Jaffrey NH. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of other campgrounds, but that means it is quiet and peaceful. I have visited several times with my family over the years, and we always have a great time. read more

Previous New Hampshire hikes focused on the White Mountains. The word Monadnock is said to mean mountain that stands alone. And that is exactly what this mountain does. It stands apart from other mountain ranges to offer unprecedented views when the weather conditions allow. But that is if, and only if, you can hike all the way to the top of this mountain that rises 3,165 feet above sea level. Its summit rises 300 feet above the timeline and the final quarter mile of the trail is exposed rock. Making my way to the summit was not easy and despite trying to train for the strenuous climb I was not as well prepared as I would have liked to have been. But I managed and I made it with the help of the group of hikers who accompanied me and just sheer determination to go the distance. Dry conditions are much preferred to wet, especially when trying to keep your footing and trying to find handholds on the rock. A little coolness in the temperature I find is more comfortable than extremely hot conditions. And if you can select a trail and time your climb just right (based on day of the wee and time of year) you will enjoy sparse crowds on the way up and down and still finding plenty of places to take a brief rest or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the top. Most trailheads do offer a place for a pit stop so be sure to take advantage of that amenity whenever you can! The trails are well marked but you do need to pay attention or you may need to backtrack a bit. Often during the hike I made myself stop and just soak in the natural beauty rather than focusing on where to safely plant my feet each step of the way. You will find yourself on soft ground under tree canopies, occasionally stepping cautiously through muddy patches and exposed to the elements while gingerly crawling along and over big boulders. Allow a comfortable amount of time so that you can take breaks and safely make it up and back before nightfall. Take plenty of food and water. Dress in layers. And keep an eye out for blooming flowers, listen out for birds and watch out for missteps that will take you off the trail where you don't want to go and where you don't want to trample. This is said to be the most hiked mountain in the Western Hemisphere. Usually anything that draws crowds makes me want to stay away but there was something about this climb that really appealed to me. I knew it would be a challenge and it did not disappoint. And I knew I should attempt this climb sooner, rather than later, in my remaining climbing career. For a Florida flatlander the change in terrain, level of difficulty and accompanying camaraderie gave me exactly what I hoped for - a whole lot of happiness and a big sense of accomplishment. read more

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We came here to do the hike everyone does - up Mt. Monadnock on the white dot trail, and down on the white cross trail. Given that this is supposed to be the most popular hike in New Hampshire, we thought it'd be a fairly straightforward hike. We were wrong. (As context for this statement, we've done quite a lot of hiking, including the Appalachian Trail, Patagonia, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.) To be fair, because of our low expectations, we seriously unprepared for the hike. When we left Boston, the forecast said it would be 70 degrees in Boston, so we wore light long-sleeved tops, sneakers, and gym pants. At the last minute, we made what we thought was an overcautious decision and bought those cheap ponchos at the camp store (great decision by the way!). Well, at the summit, it turned out to be about 25 degrees cooler, raining, foggy, and there was a crazy wind that could've knocked a child off their feet. The one consolation was that we weren't the only unprepared folks - others were hiking in short sleeved shirts, shorts, and one person was even hiking barefoot. Then about 5 minutes after leaving the summit (which by this point was so foggy that we couldn't see 10 feet ahead of us), we lost my sister. She ended up wandering around on the foggy and slippery rocks for 20 minutes before she saw a single person, which is a pretty remarkable feat since there were probably 1000 people on the mountain that day. Other ridiculousness also ensued including filing a missing person report. All turned out well, but in that fog, she could've slipped and injured herself and it could've been the next day before we found her. Needless to say, we did not see 6 states from the summit that day. I think it's a great and challenging hike - I just think people should know what to expect before they set out. read more

My favorite climb, I have been hiking up this gem since I was 6. Please don't be that tourist that does not plan accordingly. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, a headlamp or flashlight, coat, and an emergency blanket. They have to rescue a fair amount of ill prepared tourists a year. If it is too hard turn around and save yourself the embarrassment, of ending up in the newspaper. You are climbing up a mountain not a hill. Still an easier climb than the big dogs up in the white mountains. Not telling you my favorite trails- you just go and do the white dot! If you get into trouble, that is the best one, most rangers, quicker response time. read more

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This is a beautiful state park!! It has all levels of hiking and has some great vistas as well! It has a lake nearby for fishing and this is not a location that has been turned into a tourist trap! I love going here with my family! read more

For first timers, it's a bit intense. More like rock climbing to me lol a bit of a long hike, taking 2-4 hrs round trip depending how many breaks you take. Was a little bit confused on getting there, GPS lead us to the (Mountain), instead of the state park. Make sure too look for state park wooden signs on the right. But all in all good experience and nice views. read more

Monadnock State Park - Hiking Near Me - Jaffrey, New Hampshire

In a word - OMG ! At my age I feel compelled to challenge my self from time to time. I enjoy hiking in the Hudson Valley of NY. After hiking around the Mohonk Mt House, and the Shawangunks, I thought Break Neck Ridge was a rewarding challenge. It earns it's "5 camera rating" easily, and my respect. On to the bigger challenge... I learned about Mt Monadnock from the Smithsonian Channel. They have a wonderful series called Aerial America. It should be required viewing for all US citizens. Watch one and you're hooked. They reported it was the most hiked trail in the US. Oh really? Let's go see why. Decided to head up on a motorized 2 wheeler to add to the challenge. Picked a couple of nice fall days, 1/3 of the way into peak foliage. The pay off was enormous! Riding through the Berkshires in the fall is breath taking. Stops at covered bridges and the Red Lion in Stockbridge added to the trip. Arriving at the mountain to watch the sun set on it would hardly let me sleep for the next mornings climb. I choose the Marlboro trail as it got me to the top the quickest. Didn't know the trail head was 3/4 of a mile down a washed out dirt road with multiple water Boggs. Don't expect to leave with a clean vehicle, no matter what you come in / you would still get muddy on foot. The trail head is on the left of the signs and there isn't much parking. It starts gradually - like walking on a trail of round rocks. Then it's back and forth through trees and ledges. Then came the rock scrambling - lovin it. After about an hour you are rewarded with your first views. You will impress yourself by how high you've come. It gets better so keep climbing. Suddenly you are out of the trees and for a while, just walking on rock. The wind is way stronger up here, but you'll want it to help keep you cool - climbing is hot work. Then more trees to get thru. You expect to be at the top or at least see it when you break thru the second batch of trees. This is when the enormity of the climb hits you. You're only half way there. Don't stop tho there are flashes of turning back. It may have been around 50 degrees when I started. It may have climbed to 60 maybe 65. I was sweating like I was in the desert. I had been climbing straight for 1.5 hrs, and the anxiety of not being closer than I thought I should be for the efforts I made up to now, were adding to the heat. The wind chill at the top had to be close to 40 degrees. I was comfortable in a tee shirt. The wind was howling but it didn't bother me. The top is sooo cool. Find the USGA marker - it's like finding the Blarney Stone. Take your pix but enjoy the splendor of your effort. Both are gifts to your self. The views are amazing: six states, and the Boston skyline on a clear day. Don't worry about the climb back down: 1) you won't come back down the same person. 2) you will be empowered from the climb. 3) time will go faster because all you think about is what it was like at the top. Finally, when the trail levels back out in the woods near the trail head, you will realize how much pain you are in, but who cares: you will feel like Moses coming down from Mount Sinai. This is truly a gift from what ever God you look to. Plan to go. Take an easier trail of you need to but make the climb / it's so worth it. read more

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Being in my backyard this park and mountain is amazing, tough hike but worth it but prepared with water and snacks

Hadn't climbed Monadnock in years and now I'm feeling the pain. It's always been a great state park. Well maintained and marked trails. Crazy that the mountain was packed with people on the first Saturday in November. Low 50's which was nice for hiking. The summit was in the 40's, very windy - felt like 30 degrees. In the past, we'd take less traveled side trails, but we took the White Dot up and White Cross back - still can't believe how many people were hiking those 2 trails. read more

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I went camping for 3 days last week and Monadnock State Park. Now, it is not yet camping season, so the boy and I were not too concerned with making reservations. But just in case, on the way there (we were just over the MA border by this point), we decided to give them a call and make sure they had some sites available and that all was good to go. When the park ranger answered, he said, "I am helping someone at the moment (in the office), can you hold a moment?" I said "Sure," and he put the phone down on the counter. That's right folks, no fancy "hold" music here. Nope. I sat there listening to background conversation for several minutes. Then I heard the ranger, in the distance, say "Have a nice hike!" And then silence. I sat there, on the line, hearing mostly silence (and a few shuffles of paper) for about 25 minutes. It was actually sort of funny, and eventually we hung up. When we got there, the ranger was very nice. He said only one other person was camping, and allowed us to have our choice of sites, and even allowed us to use the larger "reserved" sites, if we wanted them. We found a nice site right by a stream, not too far from the outhouse, etc. It was quite lovely. Being there was no one else was around was fantastic, although I can imagine that even if the sites were all filled, it wouldn't be too bad. The sites were a good distance from one another, unlike many parks these days that cram 'em in. The following morning we hiked up the mountain. We took the most popular trail, the "White Dot Trail." Somewhat unassuming at first -- a nice clear trail, some rocks and roots, but nothing too challenging. But after about 20 mins, the trail took a quick turn into parts where we were climbing over large rocks, and as you got closer to the summit (about a 3,000ft elevation, 2,000 of which you actually climb) it's all rock sheers. Picture huge, steep rock sliding boards that you have to climb. Don't wear sandals. It was kinda crazy, but a lot of fun! The hike takes about 2.5-3 hours round trip. This park is quite popular. We were there during the week, and even at that, we saw a lot of people out on the trail. My favourite part was the woman who we saw climb the mountain at least 3 times during our one hike (up and down). She was hardcore, and I can only assume that she either (A) has no life, or (B) was training for a bi/triathalon. Then again, there was a bizarre old man with no shirt that was doing the same thing, so maybe it's just a NH thing? Hah. Don't go here if you're looking for a nice quiet hike. This is apparently the 2nd most hiked mountain in the world, second only to Mt. Fuji. Who knew! I can only imagine how busy it is on the weekends. But I'll definitely go back at some point. Great hike, great views, friendly people, and awesome camping. read more

The hike is awesome...some parts are challenging...bring enough food and water with you....so if you consider white dot or white cross trail like us...i will suggest you go up with white dot--the steepest trail, but is fun...and come down with white cross--less steep... read more

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Ah, Monadnock. I've hiked this mountain several times and it is always beautiful, challenging, and most likely a zoo. This mountain is popular, to say the least. There are very few weekends during the year that you won't end up in bumper to bumper foot traffic on a hike, especially if you take one of the more popular trails. This doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't worth the trip, because it really is, it just means that you have to be patient when waiting to scramble up some boulders or similar feats. Monadnock gets it's name because it's a bare summit so it affords amazing views from all over the Monadnock region and beyond. Wachussetts, the Whites, etc can be seen on a clear day. I love this mountain because it is great practice for the whites but is only half the distance I would normally take to get out to that part of NH. It's in Southern NH, not a far drive from Wachussetts ski area. It is a great half day trip to stay in shape, get some rock scrambling in, and still make it back in time to do whatever plans I have in Providence that evening. The last time it was beer fest, very important to burn off some of those calories before ingesting them back via great beer. Now with all mountains, just because I say it's great practice for me, doesn't mean it should be taken lightly. It is not an easy hike, especially for beginners. You will huff. You will puff. You will sweat. Mostly likely a lot of on a hot day. Weather can be a huge factor on it's slick smooth rocks. Any sort of precipitation can lead to slips, falls, and worse. Be prepared, bring rain gear, and ALWAYS wear appropriate footwear (no sneakers, dummy). If you can hack it, Mt. Monadnock can afford you an amazing adventure with out having to drive four hours from RI/MA. read more

Mt Monadnock was my girlfriend and I's first mountain together! We're amateurs so this was a bit of a rough hike for us. Make sure to bring proper footwear, plenty of water, and plenty of snacks! You will be exhausted by this hike if you don't pace yourself or are not in the best shape. I saw people of all ages and shapes and sizes up on the trails. Be prepared to do a little bit of navigating rocks on the white dot trail. I highly recommend the white dot trail on the way up and the white cross trail on the way down. You will not regret it and you will have a blast getting a fantastic workout and seeing an incredible view! Bring a friend and enjoy it together! read more

Monadnock State Park is a gorgeous forested spot to take a long hike up a mountain. The State Park itself has picnic tables but doesn't really have anything to see unless you plan to do some hiking, but there's a nearby campsite that's part of the same park system that has lovely fields and lakes (aka swimming spots) if you're looking for a more leisurely day out. Monadnock is the 3rd most frequently hiked mountain in the world but when we went, there was plenty of parking and it wasn't overcrowded with people. That being said, we also didn't take the most direct route up the mountain (the "White Dot" trail) because several people warned us that it's always extremely crowded. There are a lot of trail options, many of which require some skill with non-technical rock climbing. We had to scale some boulders on our way up but even when you're on relatively flat ground, it's still littered with medium sized rocks that require some nimble navigating. Currently, it costs $5 per person to go into the park. They have bathrooms and water fountains (plus a small store that sells gatorade etc) at the base but it's a two hour hike up and back, so it's essential to pack in your own water and food (the rangers recommend 2 liters per person). Don't forget to lather on the sun screen and bug spray; we got eaten alive any time we stopped for a water break. read more

Wait- I know what you're thinking! You're like "How could this asshole give Mt Monadnock two stars!" Well, let me explain... FIRST: Mt Monadnock is a 5 STAR hike! Hands down. It's so awesome up at the summit. I usually do the hike once and year and it's always a great time. SECOND: I'm reviewing the state park (not the mountain). So, why two stars? It's because they charge $5 bucks per person to get in and park. That's so ludicrous! (The adjective, not the rapper.) Especially since many other trails are free. Why pay would you pay to walk in nature? Just don't go up the "white dot" trail and you'll be a lot happier instead of paying $5 a piece to take an hour hike up a mountain. read more

A great place for a good and long hike in the wilderness. The trails are well maintained and taken care of and the park staff are very friendly, helpful and courteous. It is rocky on the top but the summit trails are well marked. and read more

We stayed at a remote site for a few nights and felt so comfortable despite it being covid! They are running at half capacity and everything feels so safe. They are handling the pandemic incredibly well & we will definitely be returning. The ranger who checked us in was super helpful and kind as too. read more

So haven't hiked in over two years but I do a good amount of cardio and weighted yoga. Was told this trail was moderate by the bf... boy was it not! The beginning is picturesque with beautiful trees changing colors. There are steps made with wood and small rocks here and there. Didn't think it would be too bad. The trail forks into arrow versus dot trail. We did the white dot trail which is around 2 miles (.2 miles shorter than arrow) but steeper. Lots of rock formations. Interesting terrains. It def gets progressively harder. As you get higher up you basically are scaling the mountain. Just large flat slanted slabs of rock (I have no clue how you'd climb this in anything but prestige weather). I'm surprised my sneakers didn't slip. The top is well worth it. It took us 3 hours. Awesome views. I just wished I was able to capture it better on my phone. The way down was freaking scary. We did the arrow trail for variety and it said it was less steep. There was a lot more small rocks and leaves everywhere. The leaves were killer. It made everything so slippery. It didn't help that my legs felt like jello Googled this trail later and it's considered difficult and hiking shoes are highly recommended. Oops!But if asked, I would do it again (with hiking shoes.... not just regular sneakers). Absolutely breathtaking and interesting trail read more

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I have to give them a mediocre review as they would not let us in with our dog. They should post this somewhere so we don't drive 1.5 hours to get there and have to go to a different park!! They did direct us to Miller State Park which allows dogs so everything worked out. read more

Living right down the road, I haven't found myself here as much as I should. It's really a great resource for the community, although it is mobbed with torists in the summer. I went up in my snow shoes, which worked pretty well except where there was exposed rock. I had to ditch them at the top, as spikes can scratch up the rocky top (and land you flat on your face). This is a fairly short hike for 360 views. I think what makes it so striking is the fact that there aren't any larger mountains around, so you feel higher than you are. The treeless surface also makes you feel as if you are higher up in the whites, although it is the result of a fire, not a natural alpine environment. There are 90 miles of trails in the park altogether. The entry fee is $4 a person; kind of steep if you live in town and want to go all the time. read more

I have not camped at this park yet, but did tour it and research it quite well. The loops, both A and B, are with good sites. Some have tent wooden platforms, especially those that get run-off in rain. They are all pretty shady--I spotted none that were just plain unsheltered and in the sun. They're pretty close to one another, so you won't be having that alone camping experience unless you choose one of the few hike out spots on the trail. Those are good, and more private, and still have a primitive potty (rudimentary style), but for showers and your car, you'll have to hike back to the main parking lot each time. I'm a native of northern Massachusetts and I will leave most of the details to the other reviewers. I will simply tell you that the White Dot and White Cross trails from the main ranger station are wicked busy and should be avoided. They are boring. The most direct route is the Old Toll House Road, which is 1.2 miles on a gravel road, then the old Half Way House area (with Moses Spring) and then it's a straight, rocky climb up the spiritless White Arrow trail, with some highly steep areas on the rocks near the summit. It's direct, but lacks much to see or enjoy. Best trails to the summit: Old Toll Road to Half Way House, then Monta Rosa trail to the weathervane, a quick detour to Amphitheater Trail to see Black Precipice (highest ledge on the Mountain), and the Smith Summit Trail to the top. I know, it sounds complicated, but it's not and the ranger in the booth at the base of Old Toll Road (the same one that collects your five bucks) will give you a map and directions. You will see the most "landmarks" by this route, and although overall it's maybe 0.5 miles longer than the direct White Arrow trail, you will have more privacy and views before hitting the summit. For instance, you'll see "The Tooth" and "The Billfold" and stuff like that. It's still a hard hike, but just more scenic. Summary: Old Toll Trail to Monta Rosa Trail (sometimes called the Fairy Brook Trail) (just past Half Way House pasture, on the left) to Smith Summit Trail (with a tiny optional detour to Amphitheater/BlackPrecipice). Bottom line: when you get to the ranger station at Old Toll Road, tell the ranger you want to go to Monta Rosa. The best "for the strong hiker" trail to the summit: Birchtroft Trail (from Gilson Parking and Camping area) to Cascade Link (just before Red Spot Trail) to Spellman Trail (steepest climb on Monadnock, but oh, the views!) to the last 0.6 miles of Pumpelly Trail along the top ridge (the prettiest part of the Pumpelly Trail) to the summit. You can return from the summit on Red Spot Trail. Lovely views. Your best shot at seeing Boston. Spellman (0.7 miles) is very steep but clean rock. Do not go on Spellman after rain or in winter/ice...it's too steep, and has springs that run over the stones. You will fall. This is a great hike, I promise you. Any sturdy person can do it, but be ready for some challenge. I'm 50 years old, but in good shape, and I did it. You can, too. It is less traveled, so if you fall down the rocks and break something, it'll take a couple hours to get you down. Be ready. It's a real thrill, though. It's about 3.5 miles each way. Summary: Birchtoft to Cascade Link to Spellman Trail to Pumpelly to summit. Return on Red Spot Trail. Enjoy! I have hiked this mountain since I was a kid, it's the best. The best book about all these trails is Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide (Daniell and Smith). (plus it has a trail map). Enjoy! These trails sound hard, but each that I mention has signs on the trail. bye now! read more

Tip of the day, review the map before you hike! Know the difficult levels and the difference between a foot trail. Or you will end of being miserable if this is ur first hike! read more

This place is beautiful and easy to get to. It's a great weekend hike- challenging enough to be fun, but not too hard or too long for a day trip. The view from the top is gorgeous, although there are usually a ton of people up there, so be prepared for that. read more

This is a great mountain to hike. I have personally hiked it twice and both times have been great. This is not a walk in the park, it is a bit more challenging then I thought. You get about half way up and the view is amazing and you think you've made it but then you get to the top and everything seems surreal. The view is amazing especially in the fall. Highly recommend coming and hiking here. read more

Many hiking trails, spectacular views from the summit. This place is very popular summer and fall weekends. Summit is large and exposed so you can spread out and still find a quiet spot despite the crowds up top. White Dot Trail is heavily traveled. If you want a peaceful hike, try a less traveled trail out of the HQ. Cascade Link to Red Spot (or Spellman) to Pumpelly is a good option. The White Arrow Trail out of the Old Toll Road park HQ is another great option - and you can hit the subpeak Monte Rosa on the way up or down by taking the Monte Rosa and Smith Summit Trails. The Pumpelly Trail is the longest route (approx 9 miles) and very serene - a fairly gentle grade along ridge. This mountain gets pretty icy in winter so bring spikes / traction. This hike is not a good option in bad weather. Fog, rain and/or wind turn the summit into a dangerous place - steep rock slabs become quite slippery and in fog, it can be hard to follow the summit cairns. Just be prepared, happy hiking! read more

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Stayed here last summer, at site A18. We absolutely loved it here. We stayed for three nights (fri-mon) and got to enjoy the campground nearly on our own due to our staying on sun night. The campsites are well-maintained and very separate on the bottom end of loop a, but much smaller and closer to one another higher up. Our site also included to tent pads and a picnic table area with fire pit. Across from us was another great site, A17, which we will be requesting for our return trip this summer. At the top of our site was an outhouse, and a full bathroom with shower was roughly a 5 minute walk up the road. The lake nearby was great for taking photos, sitting and relaxing, or canoeing if you brought one, and the nearby hiking trails are very convenient if it's not too hot. It was around 85-90 degrees mist if the time we were there, and would drop to in the sixties at night (late July). All in all, I would highly recommend Monadnock State Park Campground, especially if you are looking for an affordable ($25/night), semi-secluded campground. read more

This is the best panoramic hiking view you are going to get in southern NH. Theirs so many trails to explore and things to find like a hidden cave that you can do it again and again and it doesn't get old. If you start from the park you pay a fee but theirs trails off Dublin lake and different parts of Jaffrey just be super prepared with water a small emergency shelter first aid and those basics. It is not a dog friendly hike that's my only reason for giving it four stars. Also great for Fourth of July seeing all the fireworks from one spot. read more

Pretty nice place to hike. The trails up to Mount Monadnock are well maintained but challenging because of the many rocks of many sizes. I'm deducting a star because of the crowds (so the top felt kind of dirty with food and stuff, not like pristine nature). The hike up is also a bit discouraging with many false summits. Despite that, this is a great option for a challenging hike with some elevation gain in southern New Hampshire! Loved the hiking here. read more