Mount Monadnock

I’ve hiked up to Mount Monadnock 3 times now and it never gets old! The 360 degrees summit views are spectacular for it being less than a 4000 footer and there are multiple vista views on the way up as well. Recently brought along a greenhorn and it was just the perfect intro length at under 4 miles roundtrip via the White Dot trail.
Don’t get me wrong, there will be intermediate spots so I would not classify this as an easy trail. You still need to have good shoes, a good deal of layered clothes and your usual hiking essentials.
Foliage is amazing this time of the year but if I were to do it over again, I’d aim for September to get both the foliage and the warmer weather as the summit was quite nippy and windy when we got there.
Fabulous time to be had by all! I’m sure I’ll be back again.
Tip: Bring cash to park in the lot. It’s $ 5/​pp and they don’t accept credit cards.

Mt. Monadnock is a pretty serious hike. No, it’s not an extreme hike alongside precipitous ravines, over crumbling rocks, or exposed to rockfalls, but it’s a steep climb and descent. It starts out as a quiet 15 minutes walk in the woods and then you’ll hit the steepness following the White Dot trail (the easy trail). From there on, you will be climbing non-​stop for almost 2 hours. Some areas will require all limbs to get through. The views from the summit are spectacular. I’ll leave it at that. Don’t expect a desolate hike. You are constantly hiking alongside other people.
Tips:
1) We hit Mt. Monadnock on a fall weekend and it was very busy. I would recommend getting there early. We got there around 10:30 am and we spend 45 minutes in traffic to get through the entrance gate. ($ 5 per adult, 2 $ per kid)
2) Pack lots of high-​energy snacks and a good lunch. You will need it!
3) Water is essential. If you are doing this on a hot muggy summer day, good luck with that…
4) Pack a windbreaker at the very least. It’s very winding at the summit even on a quiet day at the base. It’s also significantly cooler.
5) Kids. Our boys 6 and 8 had a blast. We do a fair amount of hiking though this was their first serious hike. I don’t recommend taking kids under 5 unless you plan on carrying them. It took us 5 hours roundtrip and we stopped about 30 minutes for snacks/​lunch.

My first mountainy hike and I chose Monadnock! Compared to the other mountains in New Hampshire this mountain was rated at moderate – and I agree! It definitely was not an easy walk in the park. At many points I had to get on hands and knees and it felt like rock climbing, but the end was totally worth it. It was breath taking view, and if you look closely on a clear day you can see Boston’s sky line.
The whole hike took about 5 hours or so and we took plenty of breaks and a long break for lunch at the top.
I highly recommend this climb, I mean it is the second most climbed mountain the the WORLD!

I honestly could not give this mountain less than 5 stars. It is beautiful. That being said, I don’t know if I could recommend it to first time hikers. I have hiked before, many of the smaller mountains in the White Mountains and Cannon Mt. I found this to be the most difficult (and yes I know Cannon is 2000 feet higher). The rocky terrain and steepness of the trails make it hard. We took the easiest and most travelled route. White Dot up and White Cross down. It took 2 hours to get up and it was a good cardio workout. Going down also took 2 hours but much more of an orthopedic workout, particular knees and feet. I brought 2 bottles of water and was done about a half hour before I finished. All that being said, I saw lots of kids running up the mountain without a problem. Things to bring:
Water, protein snacks, camera or phone, hiking shoes, small first aid kit, with an ace bandage (lots of loose rocks), sweater or jacket for the summit (it can get really cold and windy at the top).
I am really looking forward to trying another route to the top soon.

Great for first time hikers and people looking for a casual day hike.
Be advised there are some steep areas and places where you have to «figure out your own path»
I did the white arrow trail and it was great.
What’s really cool is the summit is completely rocky from a man-​made fire years ago which gives you great uninterrupted views at the top.
I once went in the dead of winter. That was MUCH different-​only go in winter with an experienced friend and with the proper gear.

I am so tired haha. Went on my first climbing/​hiking trip today with my husband. Took the white dot trail up and white cross down. As a first timer man I thought I wasn’t going to make it. But it was so worth it at the end. My husband and I encountered lovely people on our way up, we kept encouraging each other to make it to the top. It took us 4 hours to get up to the summit because of the many breaks we had to take, and 3 hours to get back. Also we brought 6 bottles of water which was almost enough for both of us. Over all, it was a great experience despite that we both look like lobsters now due to the intense sun. Will definetly go back again once I feel more fit to climb mountains.
Note: It is better to go if you have hiking shoes, lots of water and patience. Also do be careful since climbing rocks up or down can become dangerous.

Its a natural trail, its decent. its not easy for first time hikers. The paths are rugged and certainly requires hiking shoes with good traction. Smooth rocks make it slippery when it rains.
Its not 4 or 5 because i have seen better hikes. I guess for locals this is not a bad deal at all.
The view at the top is really nice, but personally not worth the effort for the 3 time a year hiker.
This is a review from a person that travels a lot and gets opportunities to hike in different places (usa and world).

I climbed Mt Monadnock for a second time and it was a great workout experience. Even though it is only 3,165 ft tall, it is a nice climb. The round trip hike can take 3.5−5 hours depending on how you pace yourself.
An easy 2-​hour drive from Providence, brings you to the State Park. A fee of $ 5 per person is kind of steep, but that’s the way it is… There is a small General Store by the parking lot where you can buy souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, etc. Just light stuff.
There are a few trails to choose from. We climbed up the White Dot trial and came down the White Cross trail. Both of them have areas of vertical climb, where you have to use all four limbs to get yourself up… or…down. This is not a leisure stride along the woods, this is a power sweat hike/​climb that will make anyone push a few of their own limits.
This last climb was on a morning right after a showery night… Big Warning !! Many of the boulder, rocks, paths and stone walls are so slippery, that if you don’t have the right foot wear you will run the risk of slipping. I think next time I plan to hike Mt Monadnock I will wait for a dry day.

Absolutely love this place! A little challenging for first time hikers like myself but it’s doable! There is actually some climbing involved so it can get a little rough here and there, but it can be done. White dot trail is the most simplest, basic trail in my opinion and it’s just following the little circle dots that can be found on the rocks.
The first 30 minutes and phew, I am already sweating. I never knew I could break a sweat so fast. Getting up to the rocks where you actually have to climb them takes a little effort, but when you’re past the trees and able to see the view, it feels so much more refreshing. It gave my friends and I a boost of energy and we kind of rushed up to the top just for better views.
At the peak of the mountain it is very windy since there’s no trees blocking it, so maybe bring a windbreaker or something light to wear at the top just in case you’re planning to stay there for a bit!
We reached the top about 2 hours and 30 minutes in, while taking multiple stops here and there.
Going down is a lot harder I like to think. The rocks get pretty steep and most of the time I prefer sliding down the rocks. Although it’s faster going down, it’s a little bit more dangerous as well.
There is no littering allowed on the mountain, there’s not even trash barrels at the base of the mountain. So bring like a trash bag to throw stuff away.
I probably drank about 5 water bottles along the way and wish I had more!

Be prepared for a bit of a challenge, even for young active adults who aren’t avid hikers. But if you’re up for the climbing challenge, this is the perfect day hike (roughly 3 – 4.5 hours) demanding a good workout and a beautiful view. Would definitely do this again.

I’ve read a bunch of reviews saying that kids did this so it can’t be that hard. Remember that kids have stamina like no other, endless energy, and are fearless. Dear middle aged adults, you are NOT a child, and I guarantee the children can hike this faster than most adults.
I love hiking but haven’t hiked a wide variety of difficult mountains, but I am in shape. I started out on this hike feeling pretty defeated and hating it because there are SO many rocks and they are SO STEEP! After about an hour of the rocks, I finally got above the tree line and was amazed. From there, you can see the summit, though it’s a ways off. The views were amazing! The way up the the summit has way less little rocks to climb up in exchange for bigger, flat rocks to scale up. Make sure your shoes have good traction! (I wore New Balance Minimus shoes, which are trail shoes but offer no support at all– I love hiking in them and was pleased with them again on this hike). I was told you can see the Boston skyline from the summit, but it was fairly cloudy so no such luck. The views were still absolutely amazing though.
I did the White Cross trail up, hit the White Dot trail right up near the summit, and took the White Cross back down. The trails were so clearly marked, unlike some of the other places I’ve been to. I hiked alone and enjoyed that there weren’t tons of people (I did go during the week) so I still got to enjoy nature, but there were just enough people that I felt safe out there.
I spent about 30 minutes at the top and about 10 minutes throughout the hike stopping to chat with people. I finished the hike in 2hrs and 55 min, top to bottom. I ran the very end of the trail back since it was fairly flat also. I also had about 20lbs in my backpack, including 8 water bottles (I only drank 2 because peeing on the trail didn’t seem easy to do, but had drank a lot prior to getting on the trail).
I absolutely loved the views on this trail and felt so accomplished for hiking it, especially in a fairly good time! My knees sure are feeling the hike though!

I absolutely love this mountain! Maybe it’s my skill level or something, but I feel like this is a relatively easy-​moderate climb. I climbed the mountain for the 1^st time 16 or 17 years ago. It was this time of year, probably late Sept– early October because the foliage was beautiful. I was with a group of about 15, everyone having different skill levels. I did notice a few people having a hard time, but they we’re people who exercised only on occasion that really weren’t the type of folks that would set out to do something this adventurous if it weren’t for the persistant nagging of a friend or some other influence.
The most amazing part, obviously, is the top. This particular day the wind was blowing SO hard that we we’re all jumping in the air and being carried by the wind as we jumped. it was so cool. Oh, and the temp does drop about 5 – 10 degrees once at the top, so be prepared with the clothing you’re wearing and the extra clothes you bring.
The 2^nd time I climbed up was with one of my best buds. We set out early and it was also this time of year because the foliage was just stunning! We had such a great time navigating up and then down choosing trails sometimes on mere whim. What a great time having a nearly flawless climb up and down.
I would climb this mountain every weekend if it was closer! I highly recommend this climb for most folks looking to climb an easy-​moderate mountain that can be completed round trip in under 6 hours.
*Most of all – wear broken in, quality hiking boots, bring a backpack full of fluids, snacks, lunch, extra clothes and first aid items. But this is a no brainer on any climb…

My favorite climb, I have been hiking up this gem since I was 6. Please don’t be that tourist that does not plan accordingly. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, a headlamp or flashlight, coat, and an emergency blanket. They have to rescue a fair amount of ill prepared tourists a year. If it is too hard turn around and save yourself the embarrassment, of ending up in the newspaper. You are climbing up a mountain not a hill. Still an easier climb than the big dogs up in the white mountains. Not telling you my favorite trails– you just go and do the white dot! If you get into trouble, that is the best one, most rangers, quicker response time.

I’m a mid 50’s out of shape wannabe hiker who took on the Mount Monadnock with my girlfriend and her boys. I’ve done lots of little hikes over the past year and my ego grew as did my large waist size. I was warned beforehand hiking here was tough and, yes, scary in certain parts too.
No matter, we dashed up the Spellman trail which is supposed to be the hardest way up scaling rock cliffs and literally pulling each other along the steepest sections. We ran into only one other hiker who was a middle age Asian woman that had a tendency to get lost. We really liked the hike up, though it was long and my girlfriend wanted to quit when we reached one of several false summits. We got to the top of the summit and the view was FANTASTIC! It was worth the all pain getting to the top. It took us a little over 3 hours via Spellman and Pumpelly trails. The Pumpelly trail runs along a ridge and offers great views.
Going down has much harder and longer than we expected. We were totally spent from the climb… It was a real downer to a long day. We went via White Cross which was very crowded. The section above the tree line was fun and a little scary. The lower steep sections with broken boulders not so much!
I checked this place off my bucket list. I’m not going back, but if I did it anybody with resolve can do it.

I am amazed at all of the reviews out there saying that this hike is easy and no problem for someone who is in decent shape. I am in my 20s and reasonably in shape and this was no easy hike! We went up the white dot trail and went down the white cross trail (slightly easier than white dot).
There were nearly vertical boulders with nowhere to grasp onto, and this is not so much hiking as it is scampering and rock-​climbing. I was looking for a challenging hike, and not rock climbing. Also bring at least 2 water bottles per person, as was needed on an 80 F summer day. Also sneakers will not suffice. I wore sneakers and my toes had blisters on them afterwards. I suggest hiking shoes instead.
The «hike» itself was quite painful, but after the fact I did feel better about it, and I’m glad I went through with it, so hence the 3 stars that I’m giving this place. Just know that this is no easy hike and instead it is more rock climbing/​scampering for 4 hours.

This summer I have been on a hiking kick, so I decided to end the summer with one final hike up Monadnock. I can’t believe I’ve grown up in the MA area and never climbed this mountain. I think for awhile I was a little scared of how hard it might be, but after successfully climbing Mount Washington earlier this season, I knew I could take it on.
I was surprised there was a parking fee, but after that the rest of the hike was great.
Along the way, Monadnock offers some great vistas and different terrain. It’s a pretty rocky hike, but there were no points that I was scared of falling, or the rocks falling on me (like our hike up Mt. Washington).
While the day we hiked was a little overcast and chilly (fall was in the air), there was still a pretty good view at the top. Supposedly, you can see Mt. Washington and Boston from the top; unfortunately, the weather wasn’t that clear for us.
There are 2 main trails that go up from the parking lot we were at — the white cross trail & the white dot trail. And while they intersect at the top and bottom, they work well for a loop hike.
Monadnock is definitely not a beginner hike, but it’s a great day hike with a bit of a challenge.

Pretty cool you could review a mountain. After hiking Blue Hills in Milton for awhile, I felt pretty good about taking on Everest. Mount Monadnock was just closer to Boston. The drive was very scenic. My friends and I got there at 8am. Plenty of parking. Go early if you want to enjoy nature and avoid the crowds.
We took the most commonly traveled path to the top. White Dot/​White Cross. The trail is the same at the beginning but then you get a choice to go the fast direct route to the top or the slower ascend up. The adventurist inside me choose to go the hard direct route. Some rock climbing is involved in this… I saw a father and his 6 year old daughter go this way, so it’s a doable. Shoes with good grip is a must. And bring some bug spray. The top was windy and gets cold quick. We had a hazy view around us. Still worth it though. We took the easier route down (white cross). Less «rock climbing» involved. We finished before noon time and there were schools of parents and their children. Glad we chose to go early!

One of the most frequently climbed peaks in the world! While Monadnock is certainly no Everest (checking in at a mere 3,165′), the challenge as well as the reward are spectacular. The beau and I work early Saturday (April 26) morning and set to the Halfway House/​White Arrow trail head.
*We paid $ 5 EACH to park and hike (about $ 7 more than it would be to climb ANY White), tipped our hats to the ranger, and set to the 2.2-mile trail to the top!
*No pets/​pups allowed on these trails (just an FYI for those of trek with their K9s, I didn’t mind the noise-​free/​poop-​free/​drool-​free result of this rule).
*Though it is still early spring, there were black flies out near the base
*The first mile or so was relatively flat terrain which developed gradually into moderate-​to-​steep with rocky footing
*About 75% of the way up, the trail levels out to rocky ledges (GREAT views even here!). Turn to your right and you’ll see your next challenge: the great stone crawl to the summit. While I found this fun and mildly challenging, I can see how families with small children might not want to tackle this trail (though, that didn’t stop two dads with three 6/​7/​8year olds!).
*Like seagulls to small rock island, hikers flock and feed on the tree-​less summit. While there is no shelter from the wind or sun, Monadnock’s bald top yields some of the most spectacular views available! Considering its elevation and location, it’s somewhat of a wonder to be able to look out (360 degrees) and see a tiny glimmer that COULD just be Boston! The ledges are safe (if you fall, it probably won’t be far/​deadly) and there is PLENTY of room for everyone!
You’ll probably diagnose yourself with jelly-​leg the day after your adventure, but the photographs and memories will make this little mountain all the more an achievement (not to mention, motivation for the Whites once the thaw is out!)

This was one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done! Mother nature wasn’t happy that day. Took us about 4 hours to complete it. However, because it started raining so hard everything became muddy and slippery so it was a bit more dangerous. You can get lost really easily, so keep your eye open for TINY orange circles on trees. Other than that, I hope you can read maps cause I cannot.
View is awesome and the scenery is nice.

I’m no couch potato, but this was a ball buster. Dot up, cross down.
If you only look at one picture to decide if you want to try Monadnock, look at mine (YES, you go up those rocks). Took us a leasurely 4.5 hours to do, luckily it was an overcast cool day.
We got passed by plenty of fitter folks, but few came close to packing the appropriate goods to do this climb, my pack was 15 pounds, my wife’s was 5.
Also, if you want to see less people, find another route, don’t expect rookie climbers to NOT do what the ranger recommends. Going on a weekday early in the morning is also helpful to get the mountain to yourself.