SydneyPaige From the moment I set foot on the trail, Mount Monadnock had me hooked. The trail challenged me with it’s steep ascents, rocky terrain, and varied weather. Mount Monadnock is the most climbed mountain in North America, and number 2 in the world to Mount Fiji.
This post covers everything you need to know about Mount Monadnock — Is it difficult to hike? What to expect, and more!
Not traveling home to Maryland for Thanksgiving – Me and my boyfriend wanted to explore somewhat local to the New England region. Mount Monadnock is less than 2.5 hours from Hartford, Connecticut and makes the perfect day trip.
Wondering if this hike is beginner-friendly? Let me stop you right there: AllTrails has rated this trail hard. And if you plan on visiting in the colder months, you run the risk of a snowy summit, which makes this hike even harder.
Although, because it is the most climbed mountain – the diversity of hikers who climb this trail range from never hiked before to runs the trail daily. So, don’t let the word hard scare you.
Good news! I completed the hike in November, which gave me the chance to experience all the seasons on the trail. From crisp fall air, splashing puddles to the early winter snowfall. This guide is packed with tips, trail info, and some great local spots to eat near the mountain—everything you’ll need to plan your adventure.
This is also a great one day guide for my people visiting all 50 states and have yet to check off New Hampshire and love adventure!
Preparing for the Hike: What You Need to Know
Every state and state park is different. It is key to always plan ahead when it comes to visiting parks due to some requiring reservations.
To ensure a smooth arrival I called the state park a week prior to inquire about the reservation system. They advised that the weekend before Thanksgiving wasn’t considered busy season, and that I could pay the $15 entry fee upon arrival without needing a reservation.
Hikers interested in finding out what the conditions are prior to heading out can call the park directly at (603) 532-8862. I appreciated the white board being updated with highs and lows for the base and summit.
So as far as weather, I can’t speak much for hiking Mount Monadnock is the summer, but I can attest the winter makes it very interesting.
So, here are some tips to to keep in mind:
- Just because it isn’t snowing at the trailhead, doesn’t mean its not snowing at the summit
- Bring Spikes
- If you don’t have any – don’t worry, you can rent a pair at the general store
- Bring Spikes
- Dress in layers
- Bring water
- Wear hiking shoes/boots
- Wear snow pants
- If you plan on starting after 12pm – bring a flashlight
You may be wondering – how difficult is Mount Monadnock?
While it’s not beginner friendly, there is a reason this trail sees so many climbers. I previously mentioned that AllTrails rates it as hard, but don’t rely so much on the difficulty rating.
Instead, focus on the key details like the trail length and elevation. AllTrails is my go-to resource for trail info, offering valuable insight from fellow hikers who have recently completed the trail, along with photos that give you a clear sense of trail conditions.
Choosing the Right Trail: Hard or Hard?
Once I began researching Mount Monadnock, I discovered there are several trailheads to choose from, and each one has its own set of pros and cons. They are all rated Hard, so how do you choose the best one? White Dot Trail is one of the most direct routes to the top, but one of the busiest and can be challenging if you are not used to steep climbs.
Although the White Dot and White Cross trails are the most popular, there are other trails to explore, each offering a different level of difficulty. The Dublin Trail offers a slightly longer, less crowded, and has a more gradual ascent.
So now you have a little bit of information to warm up with, we will start the day. So I am leaving from the Hartford, CT area. The drive to Jaffrey, which is our first stop is about 2 hours.
Pre-hike breakfast: Optimist Cafe in Jaffrey, NH
The Optimist Cafe is the perfect little spot to start your morning. A hot chai tea and an egg breakfast sandwich hit the spot. It’s a cozy, small atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle while starting their day. This wasn’t exactly on the way from Hartford to Mount Monadnock, but just a short drive from the trailheads so, it’s worth starting your day here.
Hiking Mount Monadnock: What to Expect
If you are planning your own hike up to Mount Monadnock, it’s important to be prepared for the different weather conditions. Mount Monadnock is open year-round, so winter hikes are possible, but you’ll need to be ready for potential snow and ice.
As I experienced, the summit can be significantly colder than at the trailhead — the day I visited, it was 10 degrees colder. It’s worth checking the forecast beforehand, but remember that conditions at the summit can differ from what you see at the base. As you get halfway up the mountain be prepared for terrain change. There will be times where rock scrambling and climbing required. Spikes were key once you get up to a certain level to be able to climb the rocks covered in ice.
Summiting Mount Monadnock: Reaching the Top
The trail was clearly marked, although if it has snowed you may find it difficult to see the markings. I always keep my AllTrails app on during hikes to track my pace and mileage. It’s super handy, especially if you lose your way or lose track of where you are—it’s like having a built-in GPS!
As you get closer to the summit, the wind conditions really pick up ( up to 40mph). But trust me, reaching the top is such a rewarding feeling—it’s an amazing sense of accomplishment! A little planning goes a long way to make sure you get the most out of your adventure!
Post Hike: Enjoy a dinner at The Stage Restaurant + Bar
If you’re looking for a nearby spot to unwind, head downtown to Keene and check out Stage Restaurant. If you know me, you know I can’t resist a good prosecco. So, grab your favorite drink to celebrate, and a bowl of their delicious French onion soup.
Have some extra time? Brattleboro, VT, is just a short drive across the river, offering charming shops, restaurants, and scenic views. For a more adventurous day trip, you can head further north to Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It’s next on my list of mountains to climb in NH.
And if you are looking to explore more of New England, don’t miss my blog post about my three day road trip throughout the southern part of the region.
