Mt. Monadnock FAQ
For planning purposes only. Always check with the Park rangers for the latest and best information.
What should I take with me on the hike?
At least two quarts of water (per person), snacks, map of the mountain, flashlight (in case
you unexpectedly end up on the mountain at night), cell phone, a friend or two.
You may want to bring rain gear unless you are sure there will be no rain.
Insect repellent in May and June is really a good idea for most people, and
maybe even into July for some, especially if it's been rainy. A light jacket,
sweatshirt, sweater or long-sleeved shirt in addition to what you are wearing up
the mountain might be a nice touch in moderately cool weather or to protect
yourself from sunburn. Suntan lotion. A hat. Winter hikers may need snowshoes,
especially if they are among the first hikers after a storm. Some type of
crampons can be useful. Extra layers for the stay at the top are wise. But if
you don't know this, maybe you should not be on the mountain in the winter.
Can I take my dog with me?
No. Not on any of the trails. Not even into the Park.
My kids are five years old. Can they do the hike?
That's between you and your kids. Many young children climb the
mountain, some with great enthusiasm, some part way, some kicking and screaming,
some carried. Many get worn out on the way down if they didn't on the way up.
Can I get snacks or drinks at the top?
If you can time travel back to before the early 1970's.
Can I get water or anything to eat on the hike?
A short way up the White Dot Trail you can get "wild" water at Falcon Spring. In
season, blueberries and mountain cranberries can be found in some areas near the
top. You may find an occasional spring or small stream along some other trails,
but there is no guarantee that they are safe to drink from.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Some rare hikers seem to think sandals or even bare feet are fine. Most
people would recommend decent hiking boots with some ankle support (the more the
better). Sneakers and similar footwear may be OK on the way up (though not
really the best to choice), but coming down the friction is likely to give you
some pretty hot feet which could lead to blisters. You could get blisters going
up with them, for that matter.
And cotton athletic socks are the worst. Go for wool or special hiking socks.
They'll be much more comfortable and you are less likely to get blisters.
How much does it cost me to climb the mountain?
Hiking doesn't cost anything. However, entrance to the Park is $3 per person
(2007). Several of the trails begin outside the Park.
What creatures will I encounter?
Mostly humans, red squirrels, chipmunks, me, maybe an occasional snake (usually
very small snakes the size of large nightcrawlers), ravens, my ex-girlfriend,
turkey vultures, hawks, a rare eagle or falcon, Larry, and on the less traveled trails:
deer, turkeys, and maybe, possibly, there's a chance for larger mammals--but
don't hold your breath.
How high is the mountain?
The summit is 3165 feet above mean sea level. The base is about 1200 feet
above sea level.
Is Monadnock really the most-climbed mountain in the world?
Maybe. Mt. Fuji in Japan has probably held that distinction for many
years. However, a couple of years back someone asked if the
introduction of cable cars on Mt. Fuji would mean fewer climbers and thus
Monadnock would perhaps now be the top dog, so to speak. My very cursory
search of the internet has not revealed anything about cable cars on Mt. Fuji,
though there is at least one cable on another mountain that provides great views
of Mt. Fuji. But there seems to be no dispute that Mt. Monadnock is the
most climbed mountain in the United States, and probably the second most climbed
in the world.
Which is the easiest trail to take to the top?
Of the direct trails to the summit, probably the Dublin Trail--it has the
highest starting point, the longest hike (except for the Pumpelly) and the most
gentle overall slope (except for the Pumpelly), and it doesn't have the
excessive length of the Pumpelly. However, see the
Suggested Hikes for some alternates.
Most of the direct trails are close to two miles long and have about the same
elevation change. That means they average just about the same difficulty.
It becomes a matter of taste, perhaps, more than anything else. But some
people feel that the Dublin Trail is easier to hike up than others, and some
people feel that the Marlboro Trail is the most strenuous. I think the White
Arrow Trail has some of the nastiest rock formations to climb over, and
much of the White Dot Trail bores the heck out of me, making it seem longer than
it is. From the Headquarters area, the combination of the White Dot to Cascade
Link to Pumpelly trail to the Summit is probably the overall easiest route to
take--but you pay for it with a considerably longer hike. Similarly, the
Pumpelly is not terribly difficult, though it has a spot or two that is steep,
but it's the longest trail up the mountain so it's going to take more energy,
food and water to do.
Which is the easiest trail to take back down?
None of them.
However, the rangers often suggest coming down the White Cross Trail if you are
parked at the Park.
How long does it take to get to the top?
How fast do you hike? Which trail are you taking? What's the weather? In
good weather, figure the average person will take about two hours on most
trails. Three or more on the Pumpelly Trail. Remember that you have to get back
down, too! It can take you almost as long to come down as it does to go
up, especially as you age.
How long is the round trip to the top?
Most direct routes are about four miles. Pumpelly Trail is eight miles plus
or minus.
How far is it to the top?
From two to four miles depending on the trail you pick. You'll climb up
roughly 1900 - 2000 feet.
What's the steepest way up?
The Marlboro Trail has probably the longest, steepest combination. The
Spellman Trail, however, has the most challenging stretch.
Do I have to take the same trail down that I go up?
There are many possible loops that you can take, though if you start from
the Dublin Trail or the Pumpelly Trail you probably will have to go back the way
you came. If possible, take two vehicles when planning to use the Pumpelly Trail
and you can park at each end of a one-way route. Plan ahead with friends so you
start at one end, they start at the other, and you swap car keys when you meet
in the middle.
Do I have to stay on the trail?
Ooh, tricky question! Let me answer it this way: When you are following the trails, it's important that you don't start going off the edge
of the trail because of mud or water or anything else in the trail (well, maybe bears
in the trail would be a good reason to get off it!). Don't start making your own
shortcuts (aka "bootlegs") because you think it is easier. These things all cause erosion and widening of the trails
that make them less desirable to hike and certainly are harmful to the environment. I think the rangers would prefer that you stay on the trails.
It's 5:00 PM. Can I go up the mountain now?
From mid-May until mid-July, most people can probably manage it.
Outside that range, you run the risk of hiking in the dark and it's not
recommended. Figure it will take most people at least three hours for the
round trip. Much more if you take the Pumpelly Trail or don't take a
direct route to/from the summit, or are a slower hiker.
Where do I get the elevator to the top?
You are kidding, aren't you?
How long does it take for the elevator to get to the top?
A very, very, very long time!
Will my dog be able to get over the hardest spots?
We may never know. Dogs are not allowed on the mountain.
Where does the Marlboro Trail start?
Off of
South Shaker Farm Road, which is off Rt. 124,
nearer to Marlborough than to Jaffrey Center..
Where does the Dublin Trail start?
Some dirt road (Old
Troy Road) off to the north of the mountain. Check the directions
on the Dublin Trail page.
Where does the Pumpelly Trail start?
Near Dublin Lake, off
Lake Road, which is off of Rt. 101 in Dublin. Oh,
yeah, that's the same little side road that you can take toward the Dublin
Trail, too. You just do one or two more turns to get to that trail.
Where does the White Arrow (Halfway House) Trail start?
At the
Old Toll Road parking area right along Rt. 124, between Marlborough
and Jaffrey Center.
Can I get hurt?
Yup! It happens. There isn't an unusual number of injuries considering
how popular the mountain is, though.
What do I do if I get hurt?
There's a phone number on the map that you got at the Park entrance. (Didn't
come in via the Park? Check the signage at the trail heads.) Note that
cell phone coverage is uneven on the mountain. Also note that if you dial 911,
especially on the southern slopes, you may get Massachusetts State Police who
won't have any idea what Mt.
Monadnock is! Ask to be connected to New Hampshire State Police--who may not
have any idea what Mt. Monadnock is! Ask to be connected to Jaffrey
police. Better yet, call the number on the map. Don't plan on being
rescued by helicopter. In fact, you may need to walk much of the way down--even
with broken lower limbs--no matter what the weather. Also, remember RICE: Rest
the injured area, Ice it, Compress it, Elevate it. After you get down, probably.
And beware of shock. Keep warm, and if necessary get the head lower than the
rest of the body. Deep cuts? Stop the bleeding, preferably with a sterile
compress and raising the cut above the heart. But this isn't a first aid
class, so be careful and learn what you need to do before you need to do it,
don't just take what I say here at face value.
Can I get lost?
You betcha! Even though the mountain is typically very crowded and the
popular trails tend to be extremely obvious and well-marked, it happens.
Be especially careful later in the day, when the crowds dwindle and you can't
use the sounds of other hikers to suggest that you may be drifting off the
established trail. Also, be aware that above the tree line, it can be very easy
to get off the trail if you aren't watching carefully for trail markers.
What do I do if I get lost?
Start wishing you brought that flashlight along, as it's likely to be
getting dark! How about the extra food and water you didn't think you'd need?
Note that if you don't know where you are, using your cell phone (you remembered
it, didn't you?) to call for help isn't especially useful: (You) Help! I'm
lost! (Them) We'll come and get you--where are you? (Of course, newer cell
phones have GPS included--but those don't always work.) There's a phone number on the map that you got at the Park entrance. (Didn't
come in via the Park? Check the signage at the trail heads.) Note that
cell phone coverage is uneven on the mountain. Also note that if you dial 911,
you may get Massachusetts State Police who might not have any idea what Mt.
Monadnock is! Ask to be connected to New Hampshire State Police--who may not
have any idea what Mt. Monadnock is! Ask to be connected to Jaffrey
police. Better yet, call the number on the map. Be very careful
about moving around in the dark where you could walk off a cliff! But
generally, downhill will eventually bring you to a road.
Which trail has the least people?
Of the routes that most directly go to the top, probably it's the Birchtoft
Trail/Red Spot Trail combination. Second is perhaps Pumpelly, at least in the
lower reaches. Next might be the Dublin Trail, although with the expanded
parking lot and new trailhead, it's becoming more popular.
What's the weather like at the top?
Take the weather at the bottom and subtract five to 15 degrees and add about
15 - 30 MPH of wind. If it's a cloudy day, it may be foggy, too.
What can I see from the top?
On a good day: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island (if
you know exactly where to look and have a really good day), Connecticut,
a tiny sliver of New York. Boston, Mt. Washington (NH), Mt. Greylock (MA), Mt.
Mansfield (VT--on a rare, perfect day), Quabbin Reservoir (MA), Manchester. More
trees than you can shake a stick at, rivers lakes, little New England towns.
Isn't there a cave that was used during the war to watch for German ships?
Not really. But there is a little shelter that apparently was built by a German immigrant husband and wife. Interested parties continue to maintain
it. There isn't much to it, but it's interesting.
Where is the cave?
On the mountain. Need to know basis only.
Didn't Thoreau climb Mt. Monadnock?
Several times, actually. He made several campsites on the mountain, one of
them very close to a popular trail. Become friends with some of the
mountain regulars and you may be brought to it.
Is the park open in the winter?
Yes.
What is the winter weather like?
Like the summer, only much colder and windier.
Can I camp on the mountain?
No.
Can I camp in the Park?
Yes. There is a campground at the Headquarters area, and a new campground is
being built (2007) to replace it at Gilson Pond.
Where can I park?
Parking areas are located in the Headquarters area, Gilson Pond, and the Old
Toll Road. Additionally, parking is found at the Marlboro Trail head and
the Dublin Trail head. There is no formal parking area at the Pumpelly
Trail head; people park along the road. Some of the less common trails
have a parking spot or two along the road.
When is the Park open?
All year. Hours vary depending on the season. The mountain is
open just about all the time, though it may be restricted during severe weather.
Can I park and hike even if the Park isn't open?
Yes. The headquarters area has a self-pay station near the
store. In season, the Old Toll Road attending ranger will note your car
for payment if you arrive before opening.
How often does the bus go up the mountain?
Very infrequently.
How much does the bus up the mountain cost?
LOL.
Why is the top so rocky?
Fires burned off the trees. Before that, probably only Bald Rock and/or
Monte Rosa were bare.
What's the story about wolves?
Probably false. There may have been wolves on the mountain, but the
fires weren't set to flush them out. Most of the fires were purely accidental.
When were the fires?
The best known ones occurred in the 19th century.
Is there rock climbing on the mountain?
Nothing formal that I've heard of.
How did the trails get their names?
Many trails were named after the people who first traveled them and
popularized them: Smith Summit, Pumpelly, etc. A few are named after some
feature, fancied or real, that can be found along the trail: Fairy Spring, for
example. Dublin and Marlboro are named after the towns they start in. But three
of the major trails are simply named after their blaze: White Dot, White Arrow,
White Cross.
Do dancers perform on the mountain?
Yes, Dianne Eno's Fusion Danceworks performs most years.
When do the dancers perform on the mountain?
In late August or early September.
Do any of the trails go outside the Park?
The Royce Trail becomes the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail that goes to
Connecticut. The Monadnock-Sunapee Trail goes to Mt. Sunapee and beyond.
What other areas are there to hike near Mt. Monadnock?
Gap Mountain is just a couple of miles south. East, you can find Pack
Monadnock Mountain. Pisgah State Park isn't far, nor is Chesterfield Gorge nor
Greenfield State Park. Another hour or so north, you can find Pillsbury
State Park. South into Massachusetts you can find Mt. Watatic--the Wapack Trail
runs between Mt. Watatic and Pack Monadnock Mountain. Also, the 22-mile long
Tully Trail loops from Tully Lake up to the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, back down
across Tully Mountain and then to Tully Lake. Mt. Wachusett in
Massachusetts is about 45 minutes south of Mt. Monadnock, with the Midstate
Trail crossing it and going up to Mt. Watatic.
since 26 Jul 2007.