Mt. Hayes via Centennial Trai (White Mountain National Forest)

Mt. Hayes via Centennial Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Distance: 7.34 miles
Elevation: 2,126 feet
Time: 4 hours, 16 minutes (3 hours, 47 minutes)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View; Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

It was a long weekend so Sarah and I drove way up north for some early autumn hiking! It was forecasted to be a crystal clear, cool day... and it rained for most of the drive. Our first stop for the day was Hooksett, then the Gorham McDonalds (which saved my life... the bathroom at least), and then the non-parking area for Mt. Hayes, and then finally the actual parking area for Mt. Hayes! The plan was to follow the Centennial Trail to the Mahoosuc Trail, summit Mt. Hayes, and then continue on to the ledges that give it its rightful place on the 52 With-a-View. We got suited up (at the fake parking area - then got back it the car when we realized we were wrong and drove to the real one) and got our hike started! 

The hike enters gentle woods where Sarah and I were blabbing on about who knows what when we passed a poor AT thru-hiker asleep in their tent literally 5 feet off the trail. I would have felt more bad about probably waking them up but they really didn't try very hard to LNT and camp off trail... so that's on them. We continued on steadily and noticed a possible view from an outcropping off trail, so we creatively "bushwhacked" over to find a stunning view of the Androscrogging River valley and Reservoir. There was a thick overcast and some low-lying cloud with it. Most importantly, some fall colors! We also found a much easier herd path leading about 10 feet further down the trail from where we dipped off... whoops!

Continuing on, the trial followed easy grades through lovely woods, with occasional steeper sections with many stone steps, but nothing ever too crazy, eventually leading to a section burned a couple years ago (also an AT survey marker!). What was intereting about this section was that it had the same smell that NJ had over the summer when the Canadian Wildfire smoke was at its peak (I would later learn that the haziness from this day was also Canadian Wildfire smoke, which makes me wonder was the burnt forest the smell or the burning Canadian forest what I was smelling)...

The footing became more rugged on slanted rocks/slabs as the trail climbed steeply again, now with limited views poking through between the trees. The trail led to the east summit of Mt. Hayes, which was a nice, open area with obstructed views (less than usual on this day due to the clouds/haze). [EDIT: I am just now realizing "Haze on Mt. Hayes].

The Centennial Trail dipped back into the woods (featuring a moose print!) before ascending to the junction with the Mahoosuc Trail, in a very scenic area. The Mahoosuc Trail follows a narrow footbed, through some muddy spots, and surrounded with many different types of beautiful mosses. There was one spongy one that was a particular favorite of ours!

The trail easily climbed to the true summit of Mt. Hayes (cairn), and then easily descended through equally beautiful forest to the STUNNING ledges! The hazy Presidentials were the feature on the right, with the Moriahs on the left. There were a few low-lying morning clouds still in the Gorham valley, and very faint fall colors about. It wasn't the incredible view most people find on Mt. Hayes, but we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves! We spent a nice, long break here, and I even got to pee off a cliff (my favorite activity). I enjoyed seeing Pine Mountain, a mountain I hiked a few weeks ago, nearby. I think the most interesting part about this hazy view was a defined line where the haze thickened, about 3/5 the way up the Moriah range. 

Sadly, we did have to leave (I was hellbent on getting Starr King/Waumbek also on this day), so we packed up our things and made the easy climb back to the summit and the Centennial Trail, where we enjoyed squeezing the lovely squishy mosses. The most stressful moment of the hike was when I was taking a photo of where a red moss transitioned into a spongy moss. I zoomed in to get the transition lined up when a GIANT spider crawls into frame and scares the absolute life out of me. It made for a cool photo, but definitely took a year off my life. 

Our return trip was truly quick and easy. Most of our conversation revoled around "oh I remember this part!" and Sarah subtly trying to say she didn't want to do the second part of the hike (I persisted). When we got to the car we made the executive decision to get McDonalds to fuel our next adventure - and off we went!

"Centennial Trial" from White Mountain Guide, 31st Ed. (2022)

AMC This trail, part of the white-blazed AT, was constructed by AMC in 1976, the organization’s centennial. The trail begins on Hogan Rd., a rough dirt road (not plowed in winter) that diverges left (west) from North Rd. 0.5 mi. from US 2, a short distance north of North Rd.’s crossing of the Androscoggin River and just before the road swings abruptly east; watch for a trail sign here. Parking is permitted at a small area on the left, 0.2 mi. from North Rd., and also at the jct. of North Rd. and Hogan Rd. (best winter parking); do not block the roads.

        Starting across from the parking area on Hogan Rd., Centennial Trail (sign) follows a woods road for 50 yd. It bears left off the road an dup into the woods (white blazes), levels off, and reaches the first of many stone steps in 0.1 mi. The trail ascends rather steeply, then more gradually, and turns left onto a woods road, follows it briefly, and crosses a brook at 0.7 mi. (last water). The trail climbs steadily past several overgrown viewpoints, swings right (passing a restricted outlook on the right), and descends to a sag in a birch grove at 1.6 mi.

        After a long, gradual climb angling up the side of the ridge, Centennial Trail turns sharply left and continues upward past ledges that provide limited views. At 2.8 mi., the trail reaches an easterly summit of Mt. Hayes, which offers a restricted view south. Here, the trail turns right, descends slightly, and then ascends across a series of ledges to end at Mahoosuc Trail at 3.1 mi., where the AT turns right (north) on Mahoosuc Trail. The true summit of Mt. Hayes, with limited views, is 0.2 mi. to the left on Mahoosuc Trail; the fine open ledges at the southwest end of the summit, with the best views on the mountain, are 0.3 mi. Farther, with an elevation loss of 100 ft.

Step-By-Step

- Start hike on Centennial Trail.

- At junction, turn left onto Mahoosuc Trail.

- Follow Mahoosuc Trail past summit of Mt. Hayes to open ledges.

- Retrace steps to car.

Photo Album

Mts. Starr King & Waumbek via Starr King Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Mts. Starr King & Waumbek via Starr King Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Distance: 7.41 miles
Elevation: 2,746 feet
Time: 4 hours, 57 minutes (4 hours moving)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View; Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge; New Hampshire 4000 Footers

The Hike

Our tummies were full of McNuggs and french fries, and we made the drive from the Centennial Trailhead over to the Starr King Trailhead - an easy, 30ish minute drive. Spirits were delusional - Sarah finally gave up dropping hints to just go home, and we eventually made our way into the parking area and took the last remaining parking spot!

The hike starts following higher than a stream on an easy road and passes a neat foundation of an old spring house. This section of the hike was fairly easy - we enjoyed admiring the forest and all it had to offer (mostly pretty leaves and fungi!). The grade began to steepen, which began the longer slog-part of the hike. The forest was beautiful but the climb steady and unrelenting. 

Eventually, the forest switches over to mossy conifers where the guidebook accurately describes as having an easier grade but worse footing (I preferred this section). 

The trail turns to make a final ascent to the summit of Mt. Starr King, marked by a summit disc, and then opens to a view with an old fireplace. We didn't plan to take a break here, but a hiking family had their dog, named "Darby," come up to us and BEG for pets and scratches, so we took a nice break and chatted with them. The view was nice but very hazy.

Continuing along, the trail between Starr King and Waumbek was straightforward, easily descending to the col, which was muddy in places, and then ascending up to the viewless summit clearing. We were alone and peaceful, yet underwhelmed. Slightly past the summit along the Kilkenny Ridge Trail there was a blowdown clearing that had a few obstructed views, which we enjoyed for a moment before turning around, but just then four Grey Jays appeared! I spent a good while taking photos of these beautiful birds - plus a woodpecker!

Our return trip to Starr King was easy, and we took one final break at the summit where we were joined by a family with two children who we spoke to on the trail earlier. They were feeding the Grey Jays, who were aptly named "Tom," "Jerry," and "Tyler" (Tyler was the nice one). They went on their way, and Sarah and I took potty breaks in the nearby woods, where I ran into the DEVIL HIMSELF - a male Spruce Grouse. He was perched up in a tree, but thankfully not beating his wings. Truly a beautiful bird, its a shame its chicken feathers are made up of pure evil. We took a few more photos, started our return trip, and then ran into another one, a femal Spruce Grouse! She was nestled on the ground, no more than 10 feet away from us. I'm grateful we found the chill ones today. 

The rest of our return trip was quick and easy with only mild bats of absolute delusion from exhaustion. We somehow ended up running the final bit, but I don't mean running in a badass "train running" kind of way, more like a spooked white-tailed deer kind of way. We INHALED some food back at the car, admired the mountains we had just hiked from the drive home, and slowly made our way back to Boston. A great day in the north country!

Step-By-Step

- Start hike on Starr King Trial.

- Follow to summit of Mt. Starr King.

- Continue to summit of Mt. Waumbek (go slightly past for obstructed views).

- Retrace steps to car.

"Starr King Trail" from White Mountain Guide, 31st Ed. (2022)

RMC This yellow-blazed trail begins on Starr King Rd., a gravel road to several houses that leaves the north side of US 2 (trail sign) 0.2 mi. east of its jct. with NH 115A and 3.6 mi. west of its jct. with NH 115; the road is across from the entrance to Waumbek Golf Club. Go up the road, always bearing left to avoid driveways on the right, and then bear right into a recently expanded parking lot at 0.25 mi. If the parking lot cannot be reached by car (as when the across road is unplowed in winter), park in the plowed lot across US 2 and just west of Starr King Rd. and walk up the road; do not obstruct the road or driveways by parking cars on them. (Additional parking may be found 0.1 mi. farther west on US 2, next to a gas station, also on the south side.) Starr King Trail rises at a moderate grade all the way up, making a relatively easy ascent of a 4,000-ft. peak.

        From the parking lot, ascend gradually on a logging road for 100 yd. Then turn left (arrow) and ascend another 100 yd. to meet the old route of the trail, an old logging road, on which Starr King Trail now turns uphill to the right and soon passes the stone foundations of a springhouse (right). At 0.7 mi., the trail bears right, soon ascends more steeply, and then swings right and then left onto the crest of the broad southwest ridge of the mountain through a beautiful mature hardwood forest. At 1.4 mi., the trail angles left into conifers and runs north on a long traverse of the west flank of the mountain, where the grade is easier but the footing is rougher. At 2.1 mi., in the middle of a rocky section, Starr King Trail passes a spring (sign) on the left (downhill side) of the trail.

        Bearing right and leaving the traverse at 2.3 mi., Starr King Trail climbs steadily and then swings right again (south) for a short climb to the wooded summit of Mt. Starr King at 2.6 mi. The high point is a ledge on the right with a cairn and bench mark. The trail continues another 40 yd. to a viewless ledge and then turns left and descends 20 yd. to a clearing at the site of a former shelter, where there is a partly cleared view of the PResidential Range and more distant peaks in the central White Mountains. Starr King Trail enters the woods to the right of the remains of the old cabin’s fireplace (sign: “Path”), descends briefly northeast, swings right (east), and continues down along the north side of the ridge. The trail crosses to the south side and dips just below the col; then it swings left back up to the ridge crest and rises moderately to a small clearing at the summit of Mt. Waumbek (cairn, sign for Starr King Trail), where it meets the south end of Kilkenny Ridge Trail. (The sign for this trail is set back 15 yd. from the summit clearing.) About 50 yd. ahead on Kilkenny Ridge Trail, an opening in a blowdown area on the right provides a partly restricted view of the Presidential Range and more distant peaks to the south.

Photo Album

Fox Hill, Great Dome Trail, Wampatuck Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Fox Hill, Great Dome Trail, Wampatuck Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 5.44 miles
Elevation: 640 feet
Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Hike Type: Tracing Loop

Hiking Challenges: 125-Mile Club (2x); Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

Time for an after school hike! My brain is my biggest enemy when getting down to the Blue Hills after work. First, I didn't want to sit in the car for that long (an hour, versus the 50ish minutes to get home). Then, I compromised and said I would just go to the trailside museum to save some time in the car, but then I eventually came through and decided to stick to my plan and hit the Fox Hill area. It was a hungry drive, but thankfully I had my snack bag with me (that I thought I left at home) to save the day! It was in the low 70s and truly lovely outside. I got started at the Skyline Trail just below Wampatuck Hill.

I lamented how there are very few good pee spots in the Blue Hills and got my hike started. I meandered the middlest route to the Pipeline, and nearly passed away when I unclipped my camera and found a full, living spider between the clip and my pack's strap. After causing a whole scene and murdering the intruder, I whacked through the overgrown connection onto the grassy pipeline. 

The Pipeline was a bit rough with its tall grasses, and I eventually turned off at 4135 onto Indian Camp Path, thinking at first I was going straight, then thinking I would hit this as an out-and-back, but then remembering that I had already hiked this section, and then unltimately changing my entire plan for the day! Thankfully I hadn't hiked this section too much for my 125-Mile Club 2nd round, so I could choose my own adventure. 

I followed Indian Camp Path to Fox Hill Path, where I ascended Fox Hill and took the side trip to the summit for my grid. The vibes up there were grassy and lovely, with many a chirping insect. I really do love Fox Hill. I inhaled a meat stick once on the White Trail Path as a hellicopter zoomed overhead, eventually working my way to Pine Tree Brook Path, which is just a lovely trail. Wider than a footpath, but not as wide as an old road or a pipeline. Just lovely! I followed that all the way to the Pipeline/Headquarters Path, which was a much more lovely pipeline - short grassy with well established footbed. 

Next up was a long meander around the Sassaman Path/Pasture Run trails, performing a loopty loop. It was so peaceful with the afternoon sun and no other people, my brain was able to fully turn off for a white. It turned off so well that I fully went on auto pilot and forgot to turn onto the Great Dome Path until I was halfway back to the Pipeline... whoops! I turned around and made my way back to 4053.

Now on the Great Dome Foot Path, the trail was more obscure and rugged, and with a good amount of garbage as it parallels Chickatawbut Road. Once veering away, its a nice, off-the-beaten-path trail. I followed deer prints in the mud for a while and then had a grassy descent to a brook.

I eventually landed back on the green dot loop which I followed for a good long while. There were bugs out near the wetlands, but nothing too bad. I always giggle to myself when someone walks past me smelling like a fresh shower and perfume, while I smell like a rotted possum. I always wonder if they notice how horribly I smell...

Continuing on, there was a beautiful golden sunshine painting the treetops, which helped me self-regulate and cope with my "the sun it setting earlier" emotions. The pinnacle of my time on the green dot loop was passing a couple and their dog, who was unleashed. Once I was about 100 ft. ahead of them I heard the dog run off into the woods and the humans SCREAM, which fully scared the life out of me. Leash your dogs, kids!

I worked my way to the Skyline Trail up and over Wampatuck Hill, where I had the distinct pleasure of watching a couple argue about which way to go. Typically, the man was sure he was right going in one direction, but the woman said "I was literally here yesterday, it's this way" (she was right, I minded my business) - he checked his phone and realized he was wrong... hehe...

Once up on Wampatuck I enjoyed the obstructed views but on my way down I noticed a few herd paths and accidentally followed one to a... stunning out look I never knew existed?? There was a view from Chickatawbut Hill to Boston with the sun setting behind, I'm thrilled but surprised this isn't on the map! I enjoyed some time here before making my way down the eroded path of Wampatuck and back to my car. 

Step-By-Step

- Park at the Skyline Trail crossing on Chickatawbut Road.

- Start hike on Skyline Trail.

- At 4134, veer left.

- At 4131, continue left.

- Soon after, turn right onto path. 

- At terminus, turn right onto Pipe Line.

- At 4135, turn left onto Indian Camp Path (green dots). 

- At 4102, turn left onto Fox Hill Path.

- Summit Fox Hill, then turn around.

- At 4096, turn left onto White Tail Path.

- At 4084, turn right onto Pine Tree Brook Path.

- At 4049, turn left onto Headquarters Path/Pipe Line.

- At 4048, turn left onto Sassaman Path.

- At terminus, turn sharply right onto Pasture Run.

- At 4030, turn right onto Headquarters Path/Pipe Line.

- At 4048, turn right onto Sassaman Path (again). 

- At terminus, continue straight/left onto Pasture Run.

- At split, hike right fork to 4052, then retrace and hike left fork to 4053. 

- At 4053, turn left onto Great Dome Foot Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Pine Tree Brook Path/Great Dome Foot Path.

- At 4073, turn right onto Great Dome Foot Path.

- At 4090, turn left onto Indian Camp Path (green dots).

- At 4091, turn right onto Crags Foot Path (green dots). 

- At 4151, continue right.

- At 4155, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- Follow Skyline Trail back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Mt. Monadnock via Dublin Trail (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock via Dublin Trail (Monadnock State Park)

Distance: 4.62 miles
Elevation: 1,686 feet
Time: 2 hours, 44 minutes (2 hours, 34 minutes moving)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner

The Hike 
I wasn't too sure if this hike was going to happen for two reasons: 1) there was a possible hurricane heading towards New England and forecasts predicted everything from a little bit of wind to complete and utter devistation and 2) I was moderately hungover from margarita night last night. I did wake up at 5:00am to get ready, but checked the weather and saw that it would be raining all morning, so I happily went back to bed. Later on in the morning I saw it would clear up around noon, so I pulled myself up by my bootstraps, got in the car, and went for what would be my first ever afternoon hike of Mt. Monadnock!

The drive started very wet and cloudy, but as I traveled northwest I began to see clear skies and... sun? I was absolutely shocked. When I packed, I was ready for absolutely brutal weather, and reminded myself that all I needed to complete still was the Dublin Trail to Jim's Junction, so there was literally zero pressure to summit. I was in awe when I got that first great view of the mountain from NH-124 - completely devoid of clouds! The final drive on Old Troy Road was narrow and rugged, but no worse than the drive on Shaker Farm Rd. to the Marlboro Trail (I think that one was worse due to one large rock that scraped the bottom of my CRV). The parking lot had just a few cars in it, with room for MANY more, and I got my final Monadnock Redliners hike started!

Temperatures were in the delightful low-60s, with a crisp fall feeling. I truly was emotionally ready to hike in the rain so I was beyond delighted! I was very stuffy from playing with cats last night, the hangover was hanging over, my tummy was a wreck, but I was just thrilled to be in these woods (update from the future, I was stuffy from a cold, not cats). I didn't realize that this trail was part of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail, and there was a fun sign pointing to both Monadnock and Sunapee with their respective mileages. 

The Dublin Trail crosses Old Troy Road, enters the woods, and dips down to a stream traversed by a large boardwalk. I later read that there are a couple old-growth trees in this area, estimated to be 200-300 years old - I wish I read that earlier so I could have kept my eyes open! The trail ascends from the boardwalk and parallels a beautiful old stone wall, and then descends again. This stretch of trail will be absolutely stunning in peak foliage in a few weeks!

The trail joined an old road/logging cut/clearing. Right is clearly the trail, but left continued through brush. Isn't the "Eagle's Nest" off of this trail? I haven't yet found any of the "secrets of Mt. Monadnock," but I wondered if I could "stumble upon" this one. The trail continued to follow the road grade which was absolutely delightful, and remarkably dry (especially for what I was emotionally preparing for). The trail crosses a nicely constructed (dry) drainage crossing, and then begins to ascend along the dry drainage. 

I found myself pausing at times when bursts of wind would blow across the treetops. Thankfully no trees fell on me, but I was pelted with twigs a couple times. A very beautiful, yet ominous day. The trail passes a second, more obscure road-ish path at 0.6 miles, continuing my curiosity. I was really enjoying how alone I was, and the second I wrote that in my notes I passed a group of teens with my favorite group dynamic, the ones who are clearly scouts/athletes, the ones who are here for fun, and the ones who got dragged along. 

The trees continued to howl in the wind as the trail steepened. Every steep pitch was rewarded with a walking break which was well appreciated! I saw a herd path a little further up to a mossy rock that likely had a view 50 years ago... maybe that's the Eagle's Nest footpath? I couldn't see any distinct trails leading off the rock, and I was on a mission, so another time...

After this herd path, the trail continues to climb up a nice scramble as the woods begin to open up. The trail was rocky and rooty now, but rarely with poor footing. The scrambling eventually led to a rocky ridge with views straight up to the blue sky, and if you maneuver slightly off-trail you can get a very obstructed port-hole view of the Pumpelly Ridge. 

No more than 1/10th of a mile further down the trail there was another herd path that lead to a great view looking north. The clouds were stunning, the foreground was shockingly clear, and it was clear the trees were getting ready to change colors. 

The last steep pitch led to a long, fun, rollercoaster of a trail that trended on gaining elevation. Nothing was sketchy and the scrambles were fun. There were occasional "peek-a-views," with one last obstructed one towards the Pumpelly Ridge at 1.8 miles, before fully opening up. I couldn't beleive what a beautiful day it turned out to be! I really couldn't get over the cloud formations. Hurricane Lee knew what he was doing!

To no one's surprise, it was much windier higher up, so my dreadfully smelly windbreaker went on. The sun and clouds were doing a magnificent job diffusing the light, creating an extremely peaceful environment above treeline, juxtaposed with the fericuous winds. Soon enough in the distance I saw a sign I had been waiting for - Jim's Junction! I was so geekishly, and if I may say, adorably happy to have finally completed hiking all the trails on this magnificent mountain! I was definitely in my feelings, really proud of my accomplishment, and then I decided "whats a little more wind" and I continued toward the summit. After posting my hike photos to the "GRAND MONADNOCK" FaceBook group, I was told to look up who "Jim" was, and I found this post:

"Sunday, May 20th [2012], a group of folks gathered at the junction of the Dublin and Marlboro Trails, about 0.2 miles northwest of the summit, to dedicate and sign the junction in honor of Jim Johnson. Jim was a former Monadnock employee and volunteer who not only had adopted four trails on Monadnock, but also volunteered countless hours of his time to assist on other trails on Monadnock and Gap Mountain. Jim was also a Land Steward for the Society For The Protection of New Hampshire Forests and a volunteer and trail adopted for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Jim maintained the Greenleaf Trail on Mt. Lafayette and Star Lake Trail on Mt. Madison for the AMC. We lost Jim this past winter along with his companion (and Monadnock volunteer) Carol Raynsford. We wanted to remember our lost friends and keep their commitments of stewardship and appreciation for beautiful places alive on Monadnock and chose to remember Jim at the junction of the two trails he maintained and loved the most." John F. Bigil on Facebook.

I couldn't get over how stunning the final stretch of trail was. I've done this bit twice before, both from the Marlboro Trail, both in cloudy weather. The blue sky with patchy clouds behind the summit was breathtaking. I even found some microscopic blueberries! 

The strong tailwind helped me with the final push up to the summit, and WOW. I've never felt wind quite like this! I found the summit marker and did my best to take some photos, but the gusts made it hard to stay standing. There were two others up top with me hiding in the cracks between the rocks. The water in the pools were flying all about and the alpine grasses were in constant motion. Truly an incredible sight and experience. I was so grateful to have this beautiful mountain all to myself, on a Saturday!

Because of the wind I couldn't stay long. Mountain Forecast and Open Summit both said it was about 40mph winds with gusts up to 75mph, and a graphic from weather.gov supports that (https://www.weather.gov/media/pqr/wind/wind.pdf). I was joined by either a falcon or a hawk soaring above on my trip down, which was truly impressive considering the wind speeds. 

I realized my watch paused while on the summit, which isn't the end of the world, but was a bummer. My return trip was really enjoyable - I was able to turn off my brain and just enjoy being in the woods, while basking in my accomplishment. There were a few but scootches, but everything else was pretty easy. The forest got spooker down below on the old road grade, but I made my way back to the parking lot where my car was all alone. I changed at the car and used the porta potty when one last car pulled in for a sunset hike. My drive home was stunning with the sunset (and a car fire??), and I am just so happy I was able to make this hike happen!

Step-By-Step

- Start and end hike on the Dublin Trail.

"Dublin Trail" from Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, 5th Ed. (2021)

        This trail, dating to about 1840 or easlier, ascends Mt. Monadnock from the north; it is the southernmost section of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greeenway. Dublin Trail is considered one of the less challenging routes up the mountain. From the flagpole in the village of Dublin, go west on NH 101 (Main St.). At 0.4 mi. bear left on Lake Rd., which becomes Old Marlborough Rd. At 2.5 mi. go left downhill on gravel Old Troy Rd. and continue to the parking area on the right at 4.4 mi. (Beyond the houses at 3.4 mi., the road becomes narrow and rougher; it may be impassable when muddy and is often closed in spring.) The trail, marked with white rectangles (and white Ds on the upper part), leaves the west side of the parking area near a kiosk and swings left, immediately crossing Old Troy Rd. (The north-bound Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway also leaves near the kiosk, diverging to the right.) The trail climbs briefly then descends gradually to cross a small brook. At 0.4 mi. it bears right onto a logging road, and in 150 yd. turns left off that road and ascends to join the original route of the trail at 0.8 mi. It then climbs more steeply to the top of the ridge, passing an unrealiable spring (may not always have water) at 1.2 mi. The path follows a ledgy ridge with occasional good views and short scrambles, passes another unreliable spring at the foot of a rock at 2.0 mi., and emerges above timerline. Marlboro Traol enters on the right at 2.2 mi. (sign: "Jim's Junction"), just beyond a prominent cap of rock on the left, a false summit called Dublin Peak. Dublin Trail continues upward at a moderate grade - in the open, amid interesting rock formations, with occasional short scrambles - to meet SMith Summit Trail and White Arrow Trail 75 yd. below the true summit. 

        Descending, Dublin Trail leaves the summit on the northwest side, continuing in that direction to a junction in 75 yd., where White Arrow Trail diverges sharply left (south), and Smith Summit Trail diverges left (west); look for white Ds and Ms and "Dublin Trail/Marlboro Tr," painted on the ledges.

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album