By Cliff Calderwood
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In fact if so many people climb it each weekend it can’t be very difficult… can it?
So recently I decided to hike to the summit with one of my sons and see what all the hullabaloo was about.
I discovered far from being overrated it can be a very demanding but rewarding experience.
PREPARATION AND CHOICE OF TRAIL IS KEY
We arrived at the Mount Monadnock visitor center at around 8:30am, and knowing it was going to be a warm 80+ degree-day, ensured we had plenty of water, and energy building lunch and snacks. This is a carry-in carry-out park and though you can buy water at the base shop, food purchases are limited.
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.
MOUNT MONADNOCK IS NOT A WALK IN THE PARK
Even on the White Cross Trail, climbing Mount Monadnock is not a “walk in the park.” It’s an arduous hike to the summit – after all you’re climbing 1,900 feet in a relatively short distance. Now, you don’t need ropes or rock climbing experience, but it’s steep in places for long stretches, and I’m not sure I’d want to take really young kids on the hike.
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.
HIKING ABOVE TREELINE
As you climb further the trees become smaller – the Red Spruce that was tall and proud near the base, above 2,500 feet become stunted and barely reaches your shoulder. We saw a number of Garter snakes on the trail as well.
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.
THE WRONG CHOICE BACK TO BASE
My son and I reached the summit after climbing for about 1 hour 40 minutes. We had clear views of Mount Wachusett in Northern Massachusetts, and the distant Green Mountains of Vermont to the west.
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.
MOUNT MONADNOCK IS PLENTY A MOUNTAIN FOR MOST
I am no longer perplexed why so many people climb Mount Monadnock. It’s a wonderful experience, and most people in reasonable condition can make it to the top. I’d recommend taking the White Cross Trail to the summit and back down for your first time, and if you don’t do a lot of climbing. If you’re an ardent hiker then you’ll probably enjoy the challenge of the White Dot Trail, and then come back down the White Cross for some varied terrain.
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.
Cliff Calderwood is contributing editor of a leading New England destinations site. He doesn't climb that many mountains in New England but enjoys writing about the region, and you can pick up your free vacation reports at his site: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/
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