My Monadnock Years
Mount Monadnock is one of my all-time favorite hikes and one of my favorite big mountain climbs in New England. For years, it was only about 25 or 30 minutes from where I lived, so I hiked it constantly — easily hundreds of times. There were stretches when I was going up three or four times a week, and sometimes every day for an entire week. It was close enough that I could climb it after work, after a bike ride, after fishing, or when I only had a little daylight left before sunset.
I have taken every trail to the summit over the years, with different favorites depending on the season, the weather, and how much time I had. One of my favorite routes was from the Route 101 side, heading in from the Old Toll Road area and then climbing the White Arrow Trail, with its many variations and side trails — Hedgehog, Noble, Dewdrop, Sidefoot, and others. In winter, those alternate routes made the mountain feel almost endless. Monadnock has a way of giving you a different hike every time.
I also did a lot of rock climbing on the big ledges, which are perfect for casual climbing and exploring. And believe it or not, I have even bivouacked up there overnight in winter. When Dan and I were working our way through mountain summits, Monadnock was one of them. We dug a snow cave near the top, wandered around the summit in the dark, and eventually met another pair of hikers who came up in the middle of the night. We chatted for a while, watched the sunrise, and then headed down before the daylight brought the ranger and the usual crowd of hikers.
Monadnock can be hiked in any season, and the winter climbs are still some of my most memorable. It is a New Hampshire State Park, with camping at the park areas, but pets are not allowed on the mountain. Leave your dog at home, bring the right gear, and come hike one of the best mountains in New England.
