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The Direct
Route to Mount Monadnock |
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| Have
a question about this
destination? |
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| Considering
it is relatively close to Boston, we believe Mount
Monadnock offers the best trek opportunities in
New England—summits in the White Mountains
are farther away, and require longer climbs before
emerging above timberline. On the contrary, climbing
the Monadnock, you will quickly leave the woods
to be faced with steep rocks, hike in a desert-like
environment, where only a few twisted trees fight
the wind and cold, and have the possibility to
walk along the ridge for a while, with nothing
but air on both sides. Overall, there are 40 miles
of hiking trails across the Monadnock State Park. |
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This trek follows
the trade route up to the Monadnock that uses
the White Dot Trail. You can meet quite a few
people on sunny summer days there, but the crowds
are unlikely to diminish the experience: Mount
Monadnock is in a league in itself, where you
can get access to a rocky, alpine environment
and wonderful vistas with only a reasonable
effort.
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From the parking
lot, follow the main trail up to the Visitor
Center. From there, follow the Spruce Link for
0.3 mi, and take the White Dot Trail on your
right. The trail will lead you up to the summit.
Do not get discouraged by the initial climb,
which sometimes looks as if you had to climb
steep, rocky stairs. The trail will quickly
level and you will be served with wonderful
views on the countryside, and with many opportunities
to stop and rest on the rocks.
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When you emerge
above timberline, the trail can be harder to
follow. Arriving at a mark, be careful to spot
the next blaze on the rocks before you proceed,
or you may get lost. The trail can be steep
in places.
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From the summit,
hike back the way you came down to the parking
lot.
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Allow at least
4 hours to make the Direct Route, and more if
you are walking slowly and plan to stop at the
summit for a while.
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If you would
prefer a longer but harder hike that follows
a less crowded route and leads you along the
mountain ridge, go for our Big
One at Mount Monadnock.
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Remember that
weather can be nasty at the summit while perfectly
fine at the parking lot. We recently had our
map literally shredded by rain and wind after
20 minutes on top of the mountain. Always check
the weather before leaving, and be prepared
to turn back if you feel cold or uncomfortable.
Rocks can be slippery in rainy weather along
the whole route—be extremely cautious when
ascending and descending both in open spaces
and in the woods. Finally, be aware that accidents
often happen on the way back, when fatigue kicks
in. Always stay focused on what you're doing,
and stop frequently to rest if you feel tired.
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Finally,
never leave without the map handed out by the
Ranger at the gatehouse. If you are not comfortable
reading a map, attend an orienteering
class.
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