Camel's Hump via Monroe & Alpine Trails (Camel's Hump State Park)

Camel's Hump via Monroe & Alpine Trails (Camel's Hump State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.40 miles

Elevation: 2,657 feet

Time: 5 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 17 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Vermont 4000-Footers, Long Trail Side-to-Side, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Emma and I planned to hike Camel's Hump yesterday, but Vermont decided to rain instead! We spent yesterday in Burlington and pushed Camel's Hump to this last day of August. We had a wedding way over in Newport, VT later that day, so we decided to get up nice and early to leave time for a nap later on. The alarms went off at 3:45am and we made it to the trailhead just before 5:00am. There were two other cars and it was a wonderful 50 degrees out. We could hear an owl and I christened the porta potty! Poor Emma had a wild gas/poop cramp that simply would not pass, hopefully some hiking would help loosen things up!

[5:07am - Start of Hike]

We started our hike by walking to the upper parking lot (closer to the trail - we didn't know it existed!) with our headlamps on. 

[5:10am - Monroe Trail]

Once in the woods, we soon signed the trail register and began our hike on the Monroe Trail. The beginning of the hike was super chill with the faintest light through the trees. The trail easily climbed until the 0.5 mile mark, when it began to moderate, but never to a ridiculous grade. The climbs were alternated with walking breaks, which was lovely. We hiked over three bridges and Emma's gas bubble would NOT budge. We did worry it could have been appendicitis, but thankfully she had a bar of service and her bubble was on the wrong side of her abdomen. 

[5:56am - Monroe Trail/Dean Trail jct.]

More light was beginning to shine through the trees as we arrived at the junction with the Dean Trail - the proposed end of our lollipop loop. A few minutes later at about 6:00am on the dot, the birds started to wake up, and our headlamps came off a few minutes after that (a few more minutes later, Emma finally farted! I already had a point in fart baseball, but I was happy for her). 

We continued to hike and approached a daunting headwall, thankfull the trail never really tackled it too aggressively. There was a slight breeze through the trees, which was just lovely. There were golden, foggy clouds overhead as we began to climb, passing one wet scramble. We were moving slow because of Emma's gas bubble that unfortunately was still hurting her. There were a few views through the trees, which helped energize us!

The trail crossed, followed, and crossed a mossy stream in a really beautiful area before making a sharp turn and climbing more aggressively on some wet slabs (we think this brought us to the top of the headwall we saw before). The trail turned again and soon brought us to a large junction with the Alpine Trail!

[6:59am - Monroe/Alpine Trail jct.]

We did a sit, bathroom, and snack break at this junction. Emma was not feeling great, so we made the decision to alter our route. We originally planned to follow the Alpine Trail northbound to the Long Trail southbound, eventually returning on the Dean Trail. Now, we would turn onto the Alpine Trail southbound and do a much smaller loop over the summit, returning on the Monroe Trail. We enjoyed our leftover pizza as we joked about how crazy it would be if she actually had a burst appendix (spoiler alert, she did not). 

[7:12am - Alpine Trail (south)]

The Alpine Trail was much narrower than the Monroe Trail, but it was a welcome change. I thought it was going to climb pretty aggressively, but it was incredibly manageable. We even saw some ghost pipes! We were only a little disappointed to skip the other half of the Alpine Trail, as there were supposed to be views and a plane crash but...

[7:33am - Alpine Trail/Plane wreckage]

As it turned out, the plane crash was actually on this bit of the Alpine Trail! It was clear as day - just off-trail as the Alpine Trail made a sharp right turn and began to climb. It looked like all that was left of the wreckage was a wing, and it was impressive! The collest plane wreck I've ever seen still remains to be the one near Mt. Success, but this was cool! A herd path continued uphill to rejoin the Monroe Trail (not more plane parts).

The Alpine Trail got a little more rugged the further up we went and we caught a pretty neat view of the hump of Camel's Hump poking over the trees (and through the summit fog, which was will pretty prevalent). We hiked underneath a cool overhanging rock/cliff, and to our surprise and delight, were soon on the Long Trail for our final push!

[7:48am - Long Trail (north)]

Things got fun once on the Long Trail! The trail's character immeditely changed as it simultaneously entered into the Alpine Zone. Footing was very rocky and damp due to the summit fog, but overall grip was solid. We could only kind of see a semblance of the view down below - we were otherwise pretty socked-in. 

Sure, we were bummed to not have any views, but it was cool to see the rugged rock formations through the fog. It was decently windly, but nothing too problematic, and there was one slab that was a little more slippery than the rest. The Long Trail briefly dipped back into the woods before the final push, which was fully above the trees with rocks and string marking the trail. 

At this point, I took off past Emma due to my usual case of summit fever (I could also argue I wanted to get nice photos of her summiting!). There were a few more soft glances at the possibility of a view, but we were pretty much solidly in the clouds, which was FINE. The sun WAS shining, which felt wonderful. Soon enough, we found the two USGS discs up top, and began our celebration!

[8:05am - Camel's Hump Summit]

Of course, climbing any mountain is worth celebrating, but I was especially excited to had climbed this once becuase it completed my Vermont 4000-Footers! We celebrated by hiking up with mini bottles of prosecco and plastic champagne flutes, which was just fun. There was one other couple at the summit - they either illegally camped at the summit or hiked up for sunrise with their tent for shelter. Only issue with them was that they started playing music on their bluetooth speaker after 20ish minutes, which was annoying. 

We had some more snacks and contemplated what on Earth was wrong with Emma's abdomen - could still be gas... maybe!

[8:52am - Long Trail (north)]

Around 8:45am, more and more people started arriving rather rapidly, so we decided to pack it up. The initail descent on the Long Trail was really pretty - even in the fog. We slowly descended into the trees, before descending more steeply to the Monroe Trail. It was my turn for a weird tummy, but I was thinking I'd survive (Emma was feeling a little better descending, but still not great). 

[9:03am - Monroe Trail]

[9:22am - Monroe Trail/Alpine Trail jct.]

[10:08am - Monroe Trail/Dean Trail jct.]

Our descent involved a lot of blabbering at each other and speculating what was wrong with her abdomen (it went through phases of pain). Emma took a solid fall on one of the slabs after the junction with the Alpine Trail, and we passed at least 50 people heading up to the summit on our descent (we couldn't fathom how they'd all fit at the top!). We had to PEE in our last mile, but didn't want to have to get off-trail to pee, so we both suffered, possibly a little too long.

[10:41am - End of Hike]

We started to get excited as the trail leveled out, and then we began to cross the bridges, and then we were back! I sent Emma to the bathroom while I signed us out, and then it was my turn. We had a quick change at the car in the FULL parking lot, and made our way back to her place for a shower, change, and then off to the wedding!

...which we never made it to. Emma was feeling BAD after her nap, so I politely encouraged her to go to the doctor. We spent a little over an hour there, and turns out she had a kidney infection caused by a prior UTI! And she climbed Camel's Hump! She's such a trooper. Instead of  going to the wedding, we got dinner, got Legos, and went home (which I was NOT mad about!)

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Monroe Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Alpine Trail (south).

- At terminus, turn right onto Long Trail (north).

- Summit Camel's Hump.

- Continue on Long Trail (north).

- At jct., turn right onto Monroe Trail.

- Follow Monroe Trail back to car.

Map of Camel's Hump State Park

Photo Album

Mt. Monadnock via Harling, Red Spot, & Old Ski (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock via Harling, Red Spot, & Old Ski (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: O-O Loop

Distance: 6.70 miles

Elevation: 1,847 feet

Time: 3 hours, 57 minutes (3 hours, 15 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner (2x)

The Hike

"Oh, Monadnock again?" YES. My friend, Sydney, and I had been planning to hike Mt. Moosilauke together on this date, but the weather said "hmm better not!" - so we pivoted back to my favorite mountain! Happy Labor Day Weekend! Naturally, I proposed we take some trails that I still needed for my second redline. We only wanted to pay for one car, so we dropped Sydney's car at the Gap Mountain south parking lot and carpooled over to Park Headquarters for our adventure! I didn't take any notes on this hike as I wanted to focus on time with my friend, so I'm sure I'll forget some things, but that's okay!

[6:25am - Start of Hike]

Our hike started by walking down Poole Road towards the Hinkley Trail. It was a cloudy and misty morning, so we didn't expect much in terms of views, but we were both happy to be out. Poole Road dips down and then rises easily, past a home on the left, to the Hinkley Trailhead.

[6:31am - Hinkley Trail]

The Hinkley Trail sign is a little hard to see as it's well off the road in the woods, but its followed by yellow blazes and a no-dogs sign. It has a lesser-traveled feel to it, and rambles pretty level with many roots. We rambled about, yapped a ton, and soon came to the Harling Trail.

[6:46am - Harling Trail]

The Harling Trail continues a similar lesser-traveled vibe, but now rises pretty easily, and more steadily toward the end. I don't think it would have caused me much huffing and puffing, but Sydney and I were catching each other up on our summers, and the added yapping took my breath away! The higher we climbed, the closer we came to the clouds, and once on the Cascade Link Trail, we were already in a light fog. 

[7:09am - Cascade Link Trail]

With the fog, the Cascade Link Trail had an ominous, spooky feel to it. It was nice to have the trails to just the two of us! I've gotten really lucky with the crowds these past four (four... oh my goodness) climbs in a row(!). We easily gained more elevation until we hit the Red Spot junction.

[7:21am - Red Spot Trail]

Personally, I was excited to be back on the Red Spot Trail, as it was the first trail I climbed this mountain on and the last time I had been on it was almost 10(!) years ago! The first leg of the red spot trail climbed easily over rocks, and then more moderately... over rock, with a few steeper pushes... over rocks. 

[7:35am - Red Spot Trail/Old Ski Path jct.]

After crossing the junction with the Old Ski Path we continued to climb over... more rocks. There were a few stretches that could be scrambly for some more vertically challenged hikers, but overall it was not overly difficult (and in my opinion, much more enjoyable than either of the white trails on this side of the mountain). Soon, we saw signs identifying cairns and we popped out above the trees fully in a cloud! We were totally soaked at this point from the mist in the air, but having an absolute blast with each other just being goofy!

The wind was blowing and the cloud was pretty dense, but we eventually found outself at the terminus fo the Red Spot Trail at it's famous cairn.

[8:02am - Pumpelly Trail]

Naturally, this led us onto the Pumpelly Trail for our final push 'n scramble. We had to pay closer attention to cairns and P's, since visibility was so limited, but we made it up without any real issue, and to our delight, no one was there! We weren't overly surprised, becuase it was a weekday at 8am in a cloud, but still a nice treat!

[8:15am - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

We layered up and found shelter alongside a rock where we continued to yap, enojy our summit snacks and beverages, and we took a few silly photos with my new magsafe clip-to-your-pack tripod, which was really fun (I was influenced from TikTok). I'm always nervous when hiking with a new friend (Sydney is not a friend that is new, but a friend who I had not hiked with before), but this was such a delight (as it usually is)!

[8:50am - White Dot Trail]

After a long break, it was time to head down. I was starting to get chilly due to being soaking wet, in a cloud, in wind. We started down the White Dot Trail just as a few clouds started to part - so naturally we stopped and stared, but there was no grant reveal tragically. We carefully made it down the wet slabs to the White Cross junction.

[9:01am - White Dot Trail/White Cross Trail jct.]

We continued down the White Dot Trail, which is not the easier way down, because I still needed the Old Ski Path. We carefully made it down the damp scrambles and in a flatter stretch, made it onto the Old Ski Path no problem!

[9:18am - Old Ski Path]

The old ski path was medium grown-in, very wet, and a little slippery, but we traversed without issue and soon were back on the Red Spot Path, completing our upper loop of our O-O loop.

[9:25am - Red Spot Trail]

[9:36am - Cascade Link Trail]

[9:49am - Cascade Link Trail/Harling Trail jct.]

[9:51am - White Dot Trail]

[9:56am - White Dot Trail/White Cross Trail jct.]

The lower stretch of Red Spot was easy and straightforward, and the rest of Cascade Link was even easier and straight forward-er. Only issue we came across was my foot getting caught on a root and ripping my shoe! I feel like this pair of Merrell's are not as strong as my last pair... It's a bummer, but I'm not overly upset, since they're not a waterproof pair and worst case they can just be my Blue Hills shoes. We kept on hiking, eventually making it back onto the White Dot Trail. We passed a red eft after the White Cross junction, and once back near Headquarters, continued on the connector trail to the Parker Trail - the last bit I needed on this side of the mountain!

[10:12am - Parker Trail connector]

The connector path was a lovely, wide, pine-needle filled road. It paralleled the drained reservoir and spat us out on the southern end of the overflow parking lot. I remembered I thought they got rid of the privy in this lot, but it was simply further down than I had thought. We followed the gravel lot to the main lot, and back to the car! We saw so few people on this hike - it was wonderful!

[10:22am - End of Hike]

Back at the car, I did my quick change and then we shuttled back to Sydney's car at Gap Mountain. Naturally, in my head I flirted with hiking up Gap, but I didn't have enough clothes. Next stop for me was Vermont! Emma and I were planning on hiking Camel's Hump tomorrow, go to a wedding on Sunday, and then I would finish my Labor Day Weekend with... something in the Whites!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike by turning right onto Poole Road.

- At jct., turn left onto Hinkley Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Harling Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Cascade Link Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Red Spot Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Pumpelly Trail.

- Summit Mt. Monadnock.

- Descend via White Dot Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Old Ski Path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Red Spot Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Cascade Link Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto White Dot Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto Parker Trail connector along reservoir.

- Loop back to return to car.

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album

Mt. Monadnock via Parker, Lost Farm, Side Foot, & White Arrow (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock via Parker, Lost Farm, Side Foot, & White Arrow (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 7.25 miles

Elevation: 2,393 feet

Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes (3 hours, 8 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner (2x)

The Hike

Didn't I just hike Monadnock yesterday? Yes. Why am I doing it again, why not! Really, I couldn't make a decision with where I wanted to hike - it was going to be raining up in the Whites and Mt. Greylock was just too far for me at the time (I was having another lazy day). I didn't even make it out the door until 1:00pm! As per usual, I stopped at the Leominster Cumberland Farms for some food and landed at the Old Toll Road trailhead just before 3:00pm. There were no other cars there, which was a delight! It was humid out with temperatures in the mid-70s. My body was feeling tired from the past many days of hiking and my pack was stil a little damp with sweat, but I was happy to be getting out again. 

[3:02pm - Old Toll Road]

I started by hiking up the Old Toll Road towards the Parker Trail. I initially planned this hike clockwise and including Monte Rosa/Mossy Brook, but I decided to go counter clockwise instead to get the longer wooded section out of the way early - and I'm glad I did! A car drove past me and I climbed the Old Toll Road and then I realized I, yet again, completely forgot to lock my car. The air was wildly damp and it looked like a stray shower blew through at some point recently. Thankfully, the skies were now super blue!

The road flattened briefly and then climbed again, past many browning ferns to a yellow blaze on the road which marks the start of the Parker Trail at approximately 0.58 miles, according to my watch.

[3:15pm - Parker Trail]

[3:16pm - Parker Trail/Viewpoint jct.]

I hiked briefly to the height-of-land, past the newly-signed viewpoint junction (I skipped the viewpoint, as my mindset was more on the goal of hiking the trails today versus a scenic hike), and then began the easy descent. The sun was shining wonderfully on the ferns. I also was seeing the most amount of efts I think I'd ever seen! There were many birds out, too.

[3:23pm - Parker Trail/Cliff Walk jct.]

Soon I was at the junction with the Cliff Walk Trail - my eft count was up to four. The trail skirted the edge of a recently logged area, the gnats were out, and the cicadas were buzzing. There was a bridge over dry, mossy stream and then the Parker Trail passed a very large erratic (that, knowing Mt. Monadnock, I'm sure has an official name). I reminisced about the first time I hiked on this trail - it was the first time I ever had to christen the woods of Monadnock State Park! Some more easy descending eventually brought me to the Lost Farm Trail junction.

[3:36pm - Park Trail/Lost Farm Trail jct.]

I added four more efts to my count in that last segement, bringing my total to eight! There was another recently logged area right at the Lost Farm Trail junction, and a sign read:

"Timber Harvest in Progress Along the Parker Trail

The NH State Division of Forest and Lands is conducting a timber harvest on state land just south of the Parker Trail. In two locations it comes close to the trail, you will see it in progress.

Group openings ranging from half to two acres are being established to emulate minor natural disturbances in the forest. This fosters the growth of diverse herbaceous plants and tree saplings, enabling young trees to thrive with ample sunlight, air, and space, enriching the forest ecosystem. It's crucial to recognize that although these forest management actions may temporarily alter the visual landscape, they enhance long-term forest resilience amidst a challenging climate. Additionally, they provide essential habitat elements for the numerous wildlife species inhabiting this area.

For more information on this project and timber harvesting in State Parks and State Forests, contact Project Forester, Tyler Comte at 603-227-8736."

I elected to follow the Parker Trail for the rest of its length, to Park HQ, just in case for future me (future me was thankful!). This stretch of trail was much nicer and I crossed paths with my first two people du jour - they were not friendly. I made it to the bridge crossing at the reservoir outflow, which was fully drained up. There were signs warning hikers to keep out due to crumbling rocks and deep mud - I wonder if the dam is the reason why it's drained? Is it just the drought? Not sure! The perimeter was pretty grown in, so there wasn't much to see in terms of views. 

[3:48pm - Parker Trail/State Park HQ]

I turned around at the spur to the parking lot and got emotionally ready to start gaining elevation again! The return to the Lost Farm Trail was not bad at all, but boy was I sweaty from the humidity!

[3:58pm - Lost Farm Trail]

Soon I was on the Lost Farm Trail, caught up to and passed the couple from before, who were hiking in full normal clothes and at least 20 feet apart now... The trail started ascending more moderately with medium-rocky footing paralleling a dry stream on the left. After passing the humans, I started taking a few spiderwebs to the face. There were a few walking breaks intersperced with steep, short climbs. It was enough to take my "very sweaty" and elevate it "totally drenched in sweat."

I did accidentally get off trail at one point, but soon was back on (just a herd path) in a longer flat section that soon transitioned into a rocky, slippery, mossy area. My false memories of the last time I hiked this trail (years ago) told me it was an easier trail! I traversed a medium-level hobblebush grove and was contemplating death, but the trail smelled too nice to call it, so I continued. 

The final push was damp and slippery again and home to ALL the efts! The trail began to open up and get more piney, and then I caught a wonderful view of the Wapack Range just before the Cliff Walk! It was nice to see it front-lit for a change. Just after the view the trail terminated. I saw 13 efts on this stretch, bringing my total to 21!

[4:36pm - Cliff Walk]

[4:37pm - Thoreau Trail]

I had a very short jaunt on the Cliff Walk and soon scrambled up to Thoreau's Seat and then back into the woods to Thoreau Trail. Thoreau Trail was a little confusing to follow in the upper plateau area, but the rest was fine. I did get pine sap on my hand which was a solid bummer... at least it smelled good! There was a wonderful breeze in these woods. 

[4:47pm - Old Halfway House Clearing]

[4:48pm - Sidefoot Trail]

[4:50pm - Sidefoot Trail/Do Drop Trail jct.]

[4:53pm - Sidefoot Trail/Noble Trail jct.]

I was soon at the Old Halfway House Clearing, which was a little grown-in but the view was lovely. I looped back into the woods to start climbing again on the Sidefoot Trail, which had some nice rock steaps with ferns tickling my shins. The climb was steady but not too steep with many rocks and soft needles. I passed the Do Drop and Noble Trail junctions, and forgot to look for the abandoned Hedgehog one. 

Higher up, the rocks and open canoby both increased. I passed my third person of the day in this upper stretch - it was so wonderfully quiet. 

[5:08pm - Sidefoot Trail/Ampitheatre Trail jct.]

I stopped briefly to wring out my shirt for a third time at the Amphitheatre Trail junction, and both trails coincided easily to the White Arrow Trail. I caught some sun for the first time all day on this stretch, and it felt GOOD. I usually climb this mountain in the morning, so it was nice to experience it in the afternoon light. 

[5:10pm - White Arrow Trail]

Time for the final push! I hadn't been on the White Arrow Trail in a LONG time - since pre-COVID, I think. The trail climbed from the Amphitheatre junction to a mostly dry, flat, boggy area with stepping stones. I remember the first time I hiked this trail, in April when I was in college, and I was blown away that there was still snow and ice here!

The climb soon resumed and broke through the trees. It was really fun making this push with "new" views - I'd gotten to used to the views towards the Wapack - it was nice to see something else! The weather above the trees was, dare I say, perfect. I decided to skip the Monte Rosa leg of the hike I had planned just so I could enjoy more time out in the sun. The trail has some trickier/fun scrambles to a false summit, and then a classic Mt. Monadnock "basically just choose your own adventure" to the actual summit area.

[5:28pm - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

The first thing I wrote in my notes for the top said "so f-ing beautiful and actually nobody's up here I'm in awe and in shock," which I think sums it up perfectly. It was such a perfect afternoon, and as we all know from my August hikes, I'd been mentally going through it, so it was so nice to just sit and enjoy nature. I had my strawberry lemon poppi soda again, which was lovely, and eventually 4-ish people did show up, but I just refused to acknowledge they were there. I used my PeakFinder app to see Killington! When I was getting ready to leave I wrote down "definitely skipping Monte Rosa it's too perfect out to work harder haha."

[5:49pm - White Arrow Trail]

After 20ish minutes, I finally started my descent. The sun and weather just felt spectacular. Tragically, the people at the top also started their descent, so they were behind me for most of the trip. The view with the afternoon lighting was just unreal and I was NOT upset that I would "have" to come back to finish up!

[6:02pm - White Arrow Trail/Sidefoot Trail jct.]

I crossed paths with a guy hiking up near the Sidefoot Junction who was playing 80s power ballads out loud, which was a choice! The trail was super rocky, but the footing was not awful and I was able to maintain a decent pace. I could still hear the people behind me, but I couldn't see them so I didn't feel bad.

[6:13pm - White Arrow Trail/Fairy Spring Trail jct.]

I was back to full sweaty Betty status once deep in the woods and I let two faster folks pass me at the Fairy Spring Trail junction - the rest were further behind. I thought again about hitting Monte Rosa, but I maintained it was too nice out to work harder, and I was excited to get home before dark.

[6:16pm - Old Toll Road]

[6:17pm - Old Toll Road/Cart Path jct.]

I leap frogged with the faster two hikers at the Old Toll Road, as they were looking at some turkeys off-trail. My foot was feeling shockingly good, especially for my speedy descent. My hip was a little mad, but that was okay. I crossed paths with one more person on the way down, totally missed the Parker junction, and soon enough, was back at the car and on the way home!

[6:37pm - End of Hike]

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Old Toll Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Parker Trail.

- At State Park HQ, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Lost Farm Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Cliff Walk.

- At jct., turn left onto Thoreau Trail.

- From Old Halfway House Clearing, hike to Sidefoot Trail.

- Follow Sidefoot Trail to terminus.

- At terminus, turn right onto White Arrow Trail.

- Summit Mt. Monadnock.

- Descend on White Arrow Trail and Old Toll Road to car.

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album

Mt. Monadnock via Birchtoft, Spellman, White Cross, Harling (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock via Birchtoft, Spellman, White Cross, Harling (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop-Lollipop Loop

Distance: 8.45 miles

Elevation: 2,267 feet

Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes (3 hours, 30 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner (2x)

The Hike

I had a day off of hiking due to a friend's birthday birthday and a Jonas Brothers concert (it was INCREDIBLE), so I slept in LATE. I still wanted to get out and onto a mountain, so I opted to visit the Grand Monadnock yet again. I waited until a little later in the afternoon to avoid some of the crowds. I eventually left a little after noon, hit up the Leominster Cumbies for food, made a few wrong turns, and then got stuck behind an RV at the toll booth for Gilson Pond... They took their sweet time. Thankfully, the parking lot was delightfully empty and the ranger working at the toll booth was super kind (I had accidentally bought a pass for HQ instead of Gilson Pond - I swear online it said "all parking" - but she was like "as long as you're here on purpose you can park here!). Temps were in the mid-70s with a bit of humidity but a lovely breeze.

[2:22pm - Start of Hike on Birchtoft Trail]

My hike started by following signs for the Birchtoft Trail, hopping into the woods, and popping back out at one of the campsite parking spots, where the Pond Trail began.

[2:25pm - Pond Trail]

I followed the Pond Trail around Gilson Pond counter-clockwise. The clouds in the sky made it much cooler than the sun, which was lovely, especially with the humidity. The water levels in the pond were very low, which made sense considering the draught. There were some nice views from the pond with moody skies above, and at the bridge over the dam, the Ravine Trail began.

[2:29pm - Ravine Trail]

The Ravine Trail is a short trail that follows the outflow of Gilson Pond to a few backcountry sites and cross-country ski trails. The trailhead was pretty easy to miss and looked less-traveled than the Pond Trail.

The Ravine Trail started by crossing the outflow on some uneasy footboards before following the stream on the left with mostly fine, occasionally rooty footing. The stream was mostly still with the low water levels, and the trail was a little buggy - thankfully just gnats (I have some post-traumatic stress from the deer fly attack I suffered last time I was around here). Before I knew it, I was at the end of the trail, and I turned around to return to the Pond Trail.

[2:35pm - End of Ravine Trail]

[2:41pm - Pond Trail]

Back on the Pond Trail, I continued around Gilson Pond and successfully did NOT have a swarm of deer flies attack me - yay! There was a fish that fully jumped out of  a water, probably to show off for me. The Pond Trail crossed a stone wall near it's junction with the Birchtoft Trail.

[2:51pm - Birchtoft Trail]

After a few minutes, the Birchtoft Trail turns right just before a series of large boardwalks. The Birchtoft Trail recrossed the same stone wall and passed an area of recent logging. I saw my first two people in this area. The blazes were mostly normal-sized red rectangles, but there were a few skinny red rectangles and a few white ones, too. I'm guessing the white ones were just faded, though. I found myself missing the 40-50 degree temperatures from my past few hikes, but this was still worlds better than some of my summer hikes. 

The trail swung a corner at a sign and crossed another stone wall. Elevation gains have been easy so far, but I was absolutely pouring sweat from the humidity. I traversed over a few PUDs, and eventually made it to the junction with the Hinkley Trail, which would be the end of the loop later on. 

[3:05pm - Birchtoft Trail/Hinkley Trail jct.]

The Birchtoft Trail continued to meander around a stone wall, crossed a cross-country trail (possibly a few, I remember seeing a lot, but I did not take good enough notes, apparently). I crossed paths with a father and his two kids, but the father looked upset and was hiking about 40 feet in front of the kids, which made me giggle. The trail continued to steepen to a height-of-land, where I wrung my soaking wet shirt out, crossed paths with a few people speaking what sounded like Russian, and then slightly descended to the Cascade Link/Red Spot junction!

[3:29pm - Cascade Link Trail

[3:30pm - Cascade Link Trail/Red Spot Trail jct.]

[3:33pm - Spellman Trail]

I turned right here and only followed Cascade Link for a few minutes, still ascending, to the real prize of the day - the Spellman Trail! I remembered loving the Spellman Trail last time, so I was excited to tackle it again! It starts off flat with a little view above the trees to the rock wall that towered above. The flat ramble continued before instantly switching to a scrambly rock pile.

The scrambly rock pile plateaus out on top of a dried-up waterfall and then meandered again to the base of another rock pile - this was the actual headwall and started the STEEEEP climb. I hit my first view at 3.34 miles of Pack Monadnock, Peterborough Gap, and Temple Mountain. The stupid steep climb continued, but at least it was the fun kind of stupid steep! I loved seeing a full panorama of the Wapack Range from North Pack Monadnock all the way to Watatic.

Once the trail gets ledgier, it becomes more important to follow blazes, as it becomes much easier to lose the trail. The final scrambles were the most fun, and then the Spellman Trail dipped back into the woods for some normal moderate-steep hiking. The footing was pretty dreadfull, but it eventually mellowed out. I stopped before the terminus to wring out my shirt before getting on the Pumpelly Trail. I was feeling a bit chilly now that my shirt was soaked with sweat, and the breeze added to that. There was a little bit of sun trying to shine, though!

[4:01pm - Pumpelly Trail]

Once on the Pumpelly Trail, I warmed back up again. I passed the sarcophagus and MANY different types of berries in various stages of growth and decay. I just love how beautiful the Pumpelly Trail is.

[4:10pm - Pumpelly Trail/Red Spot Trail jct.]

I passed the Red Spot Trail and reminisced about my first climb up this wonderful mountain - I was out of shape and in a conga-line of hikers since it was Columbus Day weekend. It's been about 10 years since I had last hiked Red Spot, so I was feeling excited to soon tackle it again. I caught a nice view of the summit area just before the trail dipped into what I started calling "Hot Chocolate Grove" - where Sarah and I drank hot chocolate on that dreadfully wet and cold day a couple Novembers ago. It looks like there may have once been a trail here? Not sure.

[4:23pm - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

I continued to climb up the rocks and slabs, past the cottony grasses, and soon arrived at the summit! I did not stay for long, as I was chilly and feeling goal-oriented. It wasn't too busy up top, but definitely windy!

[4:23pm - White Dot Trail]

I found myself almost instantly swimming up and downstream once on the White Dot trail, which made sense. I was soon sweating again as I slid past downhill hikers and nodding to the uphill ones. 

[4:31pm - White Cross Trail]

I passed a guy who looked serious with a radio at the junction with White Cross Trail - maybe he was a ranger? I noticed that there were a few younger-looking adults way off-trail in the no-mans-land between Smith Connector and White Dot, maybe he was looking for them? He didn't acknowledge me, so I minded my business and continued on.

The old continuation of the Smith Connecting Trail was mostly grown-in, but still discernable (and on AllTrails, which is silly). The sun made a brief appearance, but soon went back away. This descent was MUCH better than the White Dot Trail, notably with MUCH better footing. I passed a group of teens on my way down and one of the girls laid down and grunted "I am one with this rock now," which I fully understood.

There was one rougher stretch, but it was aided with many rock stairs. Once I was back in the trees the crazy squirrels started to act up again, and I later passed an older couple that looked woefully unprepared and like they were NOT having a very good time!

There was another steep-but-well-constructed stretch of rock steps, which eventually bottomed out at an interesting area with some rope-pully system for an unknown cause? Maybe for trail work that has happened or will happen? Not sure. There was also a pile of small rocks with orange tape and sticks over it? I was confused!

After another long series of rock steps I hit a nice wooded walking break that felt very nice on my tired quads. My tendinitis started to act up in this area, which was around 5.69 miles, which I will take! The walking break eventually led to the terminus of the White Cross Trail.

[5:05pm - White Dot Trail]

I was now briefly back on the White Dot Trail and was NOT happy to be ascending again, but it was okay because it was short-lived. I passed two groups of hikers on the short stretch of the White Dot Trail.

[5:09pm - Cascade Link Trail]

[5:10pm - Harling Trail]

I was on the Cascade Link Trail just for a minute before turning onto the Harling Trail, which had a similar less-traveled character as the Ravine Trail. Footing was good just about the whole time and the ferns that lined the trail were getting into the autumn-decay colors, which was exciting! The trail descended at easy to moderate grades, eventually flattening out at a junction with a cross-country ski trail. My shorts were also uncomfortably wet from sweat. I am ready for winter!

The easy descent continued to the terminus of the Harling Trail, which was at a bridge.

[5:25pm - Hinkley Trail]

I crossed the bridge onto the Hinkley Trail - my final new segment du jour! The trail was mostly flat with many gnats, later descending to cross two mostly dry/stagnant streams on bridges with MANY gnats. I collected a few spider webs on the final easy rise to the terminus and junction with the Birthtoft Trail.

[5:37pm - Birchtoft Trail]

Back on the Birchtoft Trail, the big loop was now complete! It said 0.9 back to the car from the sign, and I immedaitely hit the PUDs from before, which was a lot on my tired legs (and gnat-covered body). I had the Jonas Brothers stuck in my head, which actually did help pass the time. Eventually, I got an emotional boost when I could see Gilson Pond through the trees!

[5:50pm - Birchtoft Trail/Pond Trail jct.]

I got even more excited when I reached the junction with the Pond Trail! A little too excited, though, because I immediately stubbed my toe which felt kind of horribly! I then got bit by a bug... Oh well. I flew across the boardwalks, crossed the campsite parking, through the small island of woods, and made it back to the car in mostly one piece! 

[5:56pm - End of Hike]

I did a quick change in the parking lot, where only two other cars were left, and started my journey back home!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Birchtoft Trail.

- At camp parking area, turn right onto Pond Trail.

- After dam, turn right onto Ravine Trail.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At dam, turn right onto Pond Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Birchtoft Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Cascade Link Trail.

- At second jct., turn left onto Spellman Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Pumpelly Trail.

- At summit, follow sign for White Dot Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto White Cross Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto White Dot Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto Cascade Link Trail.

- Soon after, turn right onto Harling Trail.

- At terminus, continue left onto Hinkley Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Birchtoft Trail.

- Follow Birchtoft Trail to car.

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album

Mt. Monadnock Sunrise via White Dot and Cascade Link (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock Sunrise via White Dot and Cascade Link (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 5.90 miles

Elevation: 1,867 feet

Time: 3 hours, 44 minutes (2 hours, 46 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner (2x), Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

With tired legs after Franconia Ridge, I wanted to keep it a little on the easier side (by no means easy, though) this day by hiking up my favorite mountain - Mt. Monadnock. I've been working on my second round of hiking all the trails in the park, and I needed the classic White Dot Trail. To avoid crowds, I made the executive decision to hike it for sunrise! I was up and out around 2:30am and was DELIGHTED to get breakfast sandwiches at the Winchendon Cumberland Farms at 4:00am! I passed a possum and a couple deer on the rest of my drive.

I made it to the parking lot at 4:20am. It was a chilly 49 degrees with a slight breeze and... I couldn't find the privy in the back lot? Did they just like... remove it? (Update - I learned a few days later I just didn't walk far enough). This made me nervous, becuase I wanted to take care of... morning chores before getting above the trees, but I guess I'll have to pray instead! The skies were super clear, I could hear an owl, and the stars just looked amazing.

[4:28am - Start of Hike]

I got started, walking through the State Park area towards the White Dot Trail. I was in love with how quiet it was at this hour, especially for this mountain. 

[4:30am - White Dot Trail]

I continued onto the White Dot Trail at the massive sign and hiked on the very wide, slightly descending trail, traversing a flat stretch, and then began to climb easily with wide, rocky footing. A gust of wind came through and known down a stick that nearly took my life! When hiking in the dark, I need to make sure I just keep my headlamp forward and pointed down, otherwise I get into my own head and make up sounds of animals that are out to get me!

[4:48am - White Dot Trail/Cascade Link Trail]

The trail moderated and continued to ascend to the junction with the Cascade Link Trail, where it quickly became steep. I was feeling a bit sweatier on this hike than I had the past few days, but I think that was due to the increased humidity. I was surprised at how sustained the rugged steepness was, and was thinking it was probably for the better that I couldn't see too far ahead!

I scrambled up a silly rock slab/wall and fought with some hip belt chafing. I could see the very first light of the day through the trees at 4:50am as I played a literal game of connect the [white] dots. The wind was feeling FANTASTIC as it blew through the trees (I was not looking forward to it up top, though). There was a short-lived walking break before another silly scrambly section, and then I caught my first view at 1.19 miles. It looked like there were clouds on the horizon - maybe it's from the hurricane that's currently off the coast? I wasn't sure if that would affect the sunrise, but I was just happy to be there. It was crystal clear in every other direction!

There was another short walking break before the trail continued to scramble to some more views. I could just barely make out Boston. This was followed by one actually tricky scramble before the trail dipped back into the woods. I broke out of the trees at 1.42 miles - it was chillier and windier now with a STUNNING orange glow on the horizon. From this point, the White Dot Trail continued to gain elevation at a MUCH easier grade to the White Cross Trail junction.

[5:24am - White Dot Trail/White Cross Trail]

I could see some headlamps ahead once at the junction and then I dipped back into the trees before starting the final, slabby climb. I will say, my confidence on these slabs has greatly increased with repititon! I was just behind the duo hiking ahead of me, and soon enough, I was on the summit!

[5:35am - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

It was now bright enough to not need the headlamp anymore. I hit the top, did a quick lap around the summit area, and then set up "camp" to watch the sunrise. I put my phone on a little mag-safe tripod to make a timelapse video of the sunrise, which was mostly hidden behind the trees. I tried a Strawberry Lemonade Poppi soda, which was actually delicious! A few trail runners ran past as I was waiting. I eventually put on all my layers (fleece, nano puff, wind breaker, big puffy worn like a skirt, and gloves) and was still a little chilly. 

Eventually, the sun broke above the clouds and I felt REBORN. The sunlight felt so good on my cold skin. I even found the elusive third survey disc! I KNEW there were three!!! I took a million photos, per usual, including a nice shadow of the mountain to the west. 

After much enjoyment and running around the summit like a giddy school child, I eventually had to pack up my stuff and work my way back down towards the Pumpelly Trail.

[6:24am - Pumpelly Trail]

[6:41am - Pumpelly Trail/Red Spot Trail]

My foot nearly immediately started acting up once on the Pumpelly Trail... oh well. My outer layers came off once I left the main summit area. I was fully engrossed in getting every silhouette photo imaginable while I hiked into the sun - it was so pretty!

[6:52am - Pumpelly Trail/Spellman Trail]

I passed the large Sarcophagus rock and then had a steep dip to the junction with the Spellman Trail. I stopped a bit after to check my text messages and I swear a hummingbird flew up to me to yell at me! Moreso, it flew in front of me, hovered with it's super loud wings, and then flew off, but I took the hint! Just after I landed at my next trail - Cascade Link Trail.

[7:10am - Cascade Link Trail]

The Cascade Link Trail initially descends over ledges to an area where I think "The Imp" could be in view, but I've never been able to make it out (I also have never looked too hard). There were some nice views over towards the Wapack Range as the trail alternated between slabs, scrambles, and soft, flat woods. 

[7:33am - Cascade Link Trail/Spellman Trail]

[7:36am - Cascade Link/Red Spot Trail]

Eventually, a flatter section leads to the junction with the Spellman Trail, and then the Cascade Link Trail continues to be pretty gentle with rocky footing, soon passing the Red Spot/Birchtoft junctions as well.

The trail crossed a dry mossy stream and then the forest near immedaitely changed to lush and green! I was reflecting on the first time I tried this stretch, ascending, and I had to turn around becuase I was cramping so badly. It's crazy how much less water I need now that I'm in better shape (I still need a lot of water, to be fair, I just don't need as much and don't cramp as easily). I did have some... troubling senesations in my lower G.I. track, but it was manageable for the time-being. 

[7:51am - White Dot Trail]

I fully missed the Harling Trail junction and was soon back on the White Dot Trail! I took the spur path to the spring, which was running well despite the lack of rain! I saw my first two people (aside from the summit folks) at 3 hours and 27 minutes/5.12 miles, which again, is insane for this mountain! What a treat, truly! I heard some really cool bird I hadn't heard before (I need to get the Merlin app) and my stomach was feeling BAD.

The White Dot Trail gradually rose up to the park headquarters, were I quickly saw myself to the bathroom! Afterwards, I enjoyed the beautiful sunny day as I walked back to my car.

[8:13am - End of Hike]

I ended my journey with a little solo picnic at a picnic table near my car. I ate my second breakfast sandwich and just enjoyed the wonderful weather after a wonderful hike!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on White Dot Trail

- Follow White Dot Trail to summit.

- From summit, follow Pumpelly Trail.

- At third jct., turn right onto Cascade Link Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto White Dot Trail.

- If wanted, take spur to spring.

- Follow White Dot Trail back to car.c 

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album