Mt. Monadnock | New Hampshire (2023)

Wear sturdy hiking boots as opposed to sneakers as you’ll need the support and
grip the boots provide.

There are two popular trails up to the summit: White Cross and White Dot. The
White Dot is steeper, and as it was our first climb on the mountain we chose the
easier, more varied, and a little longer, White Cross Trail. I’m glad we did.

We began our ascent to the summit at 9:00am. We didn’t see many people on
our trail, and wondered if this was a slow day for hiker traffic, but later we
found out the real reason.

The mosquitoes were bothersome in the lower elevations as the vegetation is
thick and moist, so make sure you’ve plenty of protection and of course
sunscreen on a sunny day.

The lower section of the trail is dense wood and so the main attraction is
identifying the variety of trees and plants along the path, and keeping your
focus on the next step. At a little over half-way up the mountain you’ll come to a
clearing where you’ll get magnificent views of southern and western areas of the
Monadnock region, and Bald Rock.

At around 2,700 feet you’ll have an unobstructed view of the bare and rocky
summit, and just 100 feet further the White Cross and White Dot Trails connect,
and you’ll follow the White Dot to the bare summit.

The climb to the summit of Mount Monadnock from here was the most
exhilarating for me. Most of it’s above tree line and as you climb you’ll have
stunning views of the surrounding area, which as you get closer to the top
provides a wider expansive view of the Monadnock region.

We took a few photos and found a quiet protected spot for a well-earned rest,
and ate our lunch at close to 3,165 feet. The sun warmed us and the food gave us
the energy for the return journey.

As we’d climbed up on the White Cross, we decided to return to base on the
White Dot Trail – big mistake!

Now I learnt why the White Cross Trail was so deserted. The White Dot Trail is
the most popular, and we also started our trek early compared to the masses.
Now we were descending down the steeper trail at the height of hikers using the
trail to ascend. On many occasions we had to wait for a long line of hikers
coming up to pass, before we could go down. It felt like being in the middle of
Grand Central!

But we did get a different perspective and views going down, which were every
bit as stunning as those on the White Cross Trail.

We got back to base after being on the mountain for a little over 4 hours.

The state park has over 40 miles of trails, and so the one’s I’ve mentioned are not
the only ones on the mountain and to the summit. A number of longer trails can
be found on the eastern, northern, and western flank of the mountain.

Whichever trail you choose if you prepare well with equipment, water, and
energy snacks, and you’re in good condition, then you should be able to get to
the summit and back in about 4-5 hours… and add your name to the tens of
thousands that have already reached the summit of Mount Monadnock in
southern New Hampshire.

My son and I both enjoyed the hike and the time we spent together overcoming
the challenge of Mount Monadnock. It brought us not only closer together but
we both realized you don’t have to climb Everest to experience the wonder of
this planet – Mount Monadnock is plenty for most.

The Monadnock State Park is located off Route 124 near Jaffrey, New
Hampshire, and is open all year round. But the best times to climb are late
spring through to the popular fall when the weather is more predictable, and the
views stunning.