Monadnock from the southeast near NH 202

     It has been said that Mt. Monadnock is the second most hiked mountain in the world after Mt. Fuji in Japan.  Whatever the case may be, if you look around the summit on a summer day, you'll see scores of kids and adults enjoying the fine views from this very popular peak.  The top half of the mountain is characterized by big slabs and boulders of rock that are fun to climb over.  There are many trails of varying levels of difficulty so there is something here for everyone.

     Mt. Monadnock is the centerpiece of the 5,000 acre Monadnock State Park. There are 40 miles of hiking trails, a visitor center, a campground with 21 tent sites and 7 youth group sites, a camp store, bathrooms, and shower facilities.  The park is open year-round although services are limited from November through April.  Pets are not allowed.

     The word "monadnock" originally comes from the Abnacki Indian language meaning "mountain that stands alone." Because Monadnock "stands alone", views from the treeless summit stretch far into the distance into surrounding states like Vermont and Massachusetts. Boston and the White Mountains are visible on a clear day.

     Mt. Monadnock forms one end of the roughly 50-mile Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail.  It is also the terminus of the 117-mile Monadnock-Metacomet Trail.

     Park rangers at the park's entrance and displays in the Monadnock Visitor Center provide excellent information about the mountain. There is a $3 per person entrance fee.  For more information:

Monadnock State Park
PO Box 181
Jaffrey, NH 03452
(603) 532-8862
Campground reservations: (603) 271-3628