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

Mt. Monadnock via Marlboro & Dublin Trails (Monadnock State Park)

Mt. Monadnock via Marlboro & Dublin Trails (Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 7.30 miles

Elevation: 2,024 feet

Time: 3 hours, 2 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025, Monadnock Redliner (2x)

The Hike

I was back up in Boston for the weekend to help a friend with her wedding planning, and with a half day open I decided I'd head back up to my favorite mountain, Mt. Monadnock. It was in fact the 4th of July, so I wanted to get an early start and avoid the main trails at all costs, which is how I landed on doing a loop with the Marlboro and Dublin trails. I was up at 4:15am and out the door just before 4:40. I made it to the Leominster Cumberland Farms at 5:30, but they did not have any breakfast sandwiches, which made me sad. 

I drove the second hour over to the Dublin Trail trailhead, where I realized that I was not the only genius who was planning to hike the reputedly "third most climbed mountain in the world" on this holiday - the parking lot was almost full! Thankfully I had a spot AND there was a porta potty! The porta potty was in HORRIBLE shape, but better than having to take care of business in the woods! Skies were clear and temps were in the mid-50s with a breeze - it was lovely out. A few bugs were out, but none were being pests. I managed to rip my Smartwool sock when putting it on, which is truly fine, becuase I have been actively trying to wear these socks out for years so I could replace them with Darn Toughs. Soon enough, I was starting my hike/road walk down Old Troy Road!

[6:47am - Old Troy Road]

The road walk really wasn't too bad - it followed the dirt Old Troy Road, which was in better shape than I expected. I crossed paths with my first person du jour early on and passed some fresh oyster mushrooms on a tree before starting a longer, very gradual descent.

I passed a logging area around 0.9 miles, which is also where the mosquitos found me. I threw on some bug spray, hiking past a woodpecker, and then began to gradually ascend. I passed Hathersage Road at 1.0 miles, where there was a granite marking indicating the Dublin/Marlboro town line, and this is where Old Troy Road becomes maintained in winter again. There has been vast clearing along this stretch of the road, assumedly for housing. Three cars crossed paths with me in this stretch, and I found myself missing the wooded stretch of the road - I imagined that this area would be looking VERY different in 10ish years. 

[7:17am - Shaker Farm Road]

At 1.7 miles, I turned left onto Shaker Farm Road, where the Marlboro Trail trailhead is. I remember the drive to the Marlboro Trail being much rougher than the Dublin Trail, so I was curious how this stretch of the road would be. Initially, it hiked past someone's house, some wonderfully smelling flowers, and at 2.0 miles, turned a corner and became near impassible to cars with a steep incline, deep ruts, and low-hanging branches. There WERE tire tracks, implying some sorry human made the trek...

All that being to said, I was THRILLED to be back in the woods - you could have told me this was a trail and I would have 100% believed it! The trail began to rise, passed a couple of wet spots around 2.5 miles, passed a grassier, open area that looked like an old logging road, and landed at the unfortunately buggy Marlboro Trail at 2.8 miles!

[7:36am - Marlboro Trail]

Delighted to be officially on a trail, I followed the Marlboro Trail into the woods, mentally preparing to actually start climbing the mountain. The trail began on what felt like an old road and descended slightly while offering a wonderful breeze. I crossed person #2, who was trail running back to their car in the flat woods. I was power hiking through this stretch, since I had the wedding planning to get to in the afternoon. 

My power hiking slowed to a slower climb as the grade increased while the Marlboro Trail followed the conservation land boundary, marked by blue rings around trees. I was not my most prepared for this hike, as I took my first Gatorade break at a stone wall (I had one Gatorade and one Nalgene of Nuun, could be worse!). 

The Marlboro Trail paralleled a logged area full of young birches and then began to climb rock stairs. My tummy was in an unfortunately weird mood - felt like either hunger, a future code brown, or an unspecific anxiety... weird. I caught up to and passed a few people in the steepest spot of the trail as I myself questioned if I was going to live or not - the trail STEEPLY zig zagged up with some scrambles. Thankfully, some tree views began to form!

I was POURING sweat that was only actually doing its job when an occasional breeze would blow by. That first steep pitch led to the first open slab of the hike which featured zero views, but thankfully after a short dip in the woods open slab #2 had wonderful views to Gap Mountain and beyond.

[8:12am - Marlboro Trail/Marian Trail]

From here, we went back into some beautiful mossy woods, past some not-yet-ripe blueberries and late stage sheep laurel, and then to another slab with wonderful views. I crossed paths with a new person and soon made it to the junction with the Marian Trail, where I was feeling DEFEATED last time I tackled this mountain.

I scrambled past the weird, slanted rock and had a truly terrifying fart, which was a sign that the weird tummy feeling was in fact, a code brown, and the time was now. I bushwhacked a bit off trail, took care of business in a less-than-glamorous way, thanked the mountain for taking my abuse, and then got back to work - thankfully, there was a nice view!

The Marlboro Trail climbed steeply again in the woods before opening up and breaking treeline for the rest of the climb. I caught up to a duo having a tough time at the weird staircase-like scramble (the man of the mixed gender duo was literally pulling the woman up by her pack). After the scramble, I passed the duo and enjoyed the constant breeze (which became howling wind higher up) and the wonderful views - I always say the best views on Mt. Monadnock are of Mt. Monadnock. Sure, the vista is lovely, but the structure of the mountain is really incredible. 

From the scramble to the summit, I was basically playing a game of "choose your own adventure." I don't know if it was just a me problem or if it actually is difficult to stay on-trail while ascending Marlboro, but I was wandering like a newborn kitten - having a great time, though!

[8:40am - Jim's Junction]

I passed Jim's Junction and a flooded trailbed as I took at least 1,000 photos of the mountain. There were some white bog flowers that I tried to photograph as the wind pushed me around - I would guess it was around 25-30 mph. 

[8:49am - Mt. Monadnock Summit]

Soon enough I was up on top, found the two USGS discs that I know about, and noticed that someone graffitied the summit one, which is annoying. There were only a few other folks up top, which was surprising for July 4th, but it was still relatively early in the morning, so I was not complaining! The wind increased a bit to the point where if I opened my mouth it would fill my lungs, so I started my descent.

[8:51am - Dublin Trail]

The trail was much easier to follow in this direction. My stomach was feeling much better after my christening, but it made one of the most insane sounds I had ever heard on the initial descent. Thankfully, that was the end of it.

[9:00am - Dublin Trail/Jim's Junction]

I enjoyed a view of the Pumpelly Ridge and Dublin Lake after Jim's Junction and passed a hiker descending while on the phone. 

Further down, I took my phone out to make a note about how descending on Dublin Trail is so much better than descending on Marlboro Trail, but I immediately slipped and almost landed on my bum (thankfully, I caught myself). The descent continued down into a wonderfully smelling mossy woods as I crossed paths with another solo hiker and then a barefoot duo, traversed a murky spot, another duo, and nodded at yet another duo sitting on what I believe is Dublin Peak.

I crossed paths with a fun trio talking about how biblicly awful their bedhead was in a final scrambly section and decided I'd stop counting at this point, since the holiday crowds had officially arrived. I soon made it back into the hardwoods on a wonderufl walking break. I almost slipped on a muddy slab but caught myself with my poles - I was definitely redeeming myself after last hike's multiple falls.

The air was MUCH warmer down low and the Dublin Trail soon passed two "ACTIVE TIMBER HARVEST" signs and then crossed a new logging road. The logged area was massive, which was equally a bummer but also made me think how fun it would be to ski it... I started crossing paths with more families around 9:30 and then the Dublin Trail crossed over some dry drainages.

After a low point, the Dublin Trail crosses a stagnant creek on a footbridge, rises to a height-of-land after crossing an old logging road, descends along a rock wall, crosses a bridge, and soon returns back to the parking lot! I absolutely loved this hike, and the only bummer stretch was the middle third of the road walk, but doing it first made it a distant memory. 

[9:50am - End of Hike]

Back at the car, I noticed the parking lot was FULL now, with two cars waiting for spots to open up. I did a quick change before heading back to Boston for the wedding planning!

Back at the 

Step-by-Step

- Park at Dublin Trail trailhead.

- Turn right onto Old Troy Road and follow the road.

- At jct., turn left onto Shaker Farm Road.

- At Marlboro Trail Trailhead, turn left onto Marlboro Trail.

- Summit Mt. Monadnock.

- Follow signs for Dublin/Marlboro Trails.

- At Jim's Junction, turn right onto Dublin Trail.

- Follow Dublin Trail to car.

Map of Monadnock State Park

Photo Album

Bald Peak, Mt. Monadnock, & Monte Rosa via Royce Trail (Gap Mountain Reservation/Monadnock State Park)

Bald Peak, Mt. Monadnock, & Monte Rosa via Royce Trail (Gap Mountain Reservation/Monadnock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 9.61 miles

Elevation: 2,848 feet

Time: 6 hours, 1 minute (5 hours, 30 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Monadnock Redliner 2

The Hike

I had a good night's sleep after finishing the Friends of the Wapack trails yesterday, and today's goal was to continue working on my second trace of the Monadnock trails! I was up at 6:00am and was immediately greeted with a crash on I-95, which wasn't a great start. I had to stop at the Leominster Cumberland Farms for a code yellow (read as: use the bathroom) before driving to the Metacomet-Monadock/Royce Trail trailhead at Gap Mountain Reservation to mix things up (I didn't want to pay the $15 or do the road walk to Royce from the Old Toll parking area). I was the only car at the trailhead and soon got booted up and ready to explore!

[8:12am - Start of Hike on Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail]

The woods were wet and foggy (just like most of my drive), but beautiful. I noticed blue diamond blazes along with the standard white M-M blazes, turns out the diamonds are for the WMT (Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail; https://wmtcoalition.org/). I do remember looking this up the last time I hiked on the Royce Trail, but had forgotten all about it!

I was delighted to have worn my waterproof boots, as parts of this trail were muddy with the moisture in the air. I crossed a stream in a pretty, mossy area, noticing many pondskimmers below. I then came up to tons of big, mossy boulders that the trail weaves through and around. I noticed the cloud ceiling was comically low, but I was hoping that much of the fog would burn off by view-time, especially since I was taking the long way up.

The trail became a bit more rugged and crossed a land boundary blazed in red, followed by another fun, bouldery area. The trail then entered a logging area labeled as "Logging haul road across trail ahead" and "SAFETY ZONE; No tresspassing, no shooting."

After the safety zone, I could make out the sounds of NH-124. This stretch of trail was definitely longer than I was mentally prepped for, but it was a delight! I spooked a family of deer, crossed a couple more streams, entered "Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest" land, crossed a stone wall, and then made my way across the busy-but-not-impossible-to-cross NH-124!

[8:34am - Crossing Rt. 124]

The entrance to the Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail on the other side of NH-124 was very well blazed with WMT diamonds, white rectangles, blue NH state property paint, NH state land boundary plackards, and a no pets sign. There was an easy-to-get-around blowdown just after reentering the woods, and I was off! The trail hugged the state land boundary and crossed a stone wall, climbing at very easy grades. My sleeves were officially rolled up, though!

The Royce Trail neared a brook on the left in a blowdown area and later crossed a lovely, mossy stream. I also saw my first two red efts of the season!

The trail crosses another stone wall and officially entered the clouds, but the sun was really trying to break through. I hit a few spider webs as I continued to easily gain elevation, and eventually, I saw somoe patches of blue sky! The trail then steepens to a short plateau, where it crosses with Cart Path.

After crossing with Cart Path, the Royce Trail crosses another stream with a log that houses a collection of broken glass and pottery, presumably from the old Halfway Hosue. The grade steepened again, the sun was now shining, and soon enough I was at the terminus at the Monte Rosa and White Arrow Trails!

[9:12am - White Arrow Trail]

I had a very short descent on the White Arrow Trail, which was wide and eroded to the Halfway House site.

[9:14am - Halfway House Site]

First, I noticed an area with a possibly missing plaque (let me check previous photos... no, I do not have any photos of the area unfortunately). I also noticed that there has been some trimming of the view to open things up. Sadly, whatever the view was, it was still behind a cloud! The clouds were interesting at this point, as I personally was in the sun, but there were clouds all around me. I admired some of the old graffiti and then the Moses Spring (which was much larger than I remembered!) before chugging some Nuun and continuing my journey!

[9:19am - Hello Rock Trail]

This started the "most indirect way to the summit" portion of my hike. I wanted to hit all five of the Halfway House-to-Cliff Walk trails. This started with the delightful, but slippery Hello Rock Trail. The woods were wet and soggy but beautiful. I think I could make out every possible shade of green. The footbed was a little obscure at times, but I was able to follow no problem. Closer to Hello Rock, I reentered the cloud, but the sun rays were shining through, putting on a really spectacular show.

The trail continued like a gentle rollercoaster on a soft footbed. I kept taking photos of the sun rays and almost went off-trail at a blowdown with a trail arrow attached. Soon enough, I was on the Cliff Walk!

[9:29am - Cliff Walk]

The Cliff Walk, one of, if not my favorite trail on the mountain, was misty, but no longer foggy. There was a breeze that made my sopping wet body a little chilly. Some big flies had woken up at this point and were buzzing in the sun, but not enought to be a nuissance. The trail climbed up to Point Surprise, a wonder, WARM, viewpoint. The fog was still around the vallies, so the Wapack Range was fully hidden. The sign for Point Surprise was just back in the woods high up on a tree.

[9:36am - Point Surprise Trail]

From here, I started my descent on Point Surprise Trail, which had a muddy start. The woods were foggy again with the really cool sun rays shining through, and I was occasional pelted by raindrops when a breeze would hit the trees. There was a moderate initial descent followed by a walking break, a small rise, and then the descent continued, all on a delightfully soft footbed. There was one more little rise, one more descent, and then I was back at the junction!

[9:42am - Thoreau Trail]

Halfway House climb #2 was up the Thoreau Trail, which really started to get my hamstrings and glutes fired up. I was deeply in my classic "I love this mountain" mode (this would fade later) as I climbed up, back into a cloud, then along a slippery, rocky spine, and eventually opening up at Thoreau's Seat, which is pretty overgrown at this point.

[9:53am - Cliff Walk]

I turned left onto another stretch of the wonderful, fun Cliff Walk. More fog had burned off with just some rolling clouds in the area. I scrambled up a brief moment of open blue sky along slippery rocks and soon made it to the Do Drop Trail.

[9:58am - Do Drop Trail]

Do Drop is the first stretch of trail that I would not label as "wonderful." I remembered having a tough time last time I hiked it, and this round was more of the same. The woods were spooky and I lost the trail early on in my descent. I more or less just followed the GPS track on super soft ground and hoped I wouldn't plummet to my untimely death! Eventually, I found it again and continued down along an eroded footbed, which was unfortuantely an improvement! There were a couple of guiding arrows near the bottom, but other than that, no blazes at all, which made things challenging to naviate. 

[10:08am - Side Foot Trail]

Next up was a short stint on the Side Foot Trail, which was a welcome reprive after Do Drop. So far in this hike, I'd been having plenty of fun, but I was happy to I only had one more side trail left! The trail conditions were remarkably better than Do Drop - even featuring some stone steps! I could hear wood frogs in a nearby vernal pool, and soon enough, it was time for another climb!

[10:12am - Noble Trail]

Noble Trail got right to business with its climb. It was similarly difficult to follow at points, with one particularly tricky steep, slippery spot. My legs were on FIRE and I stopped frequently to check my GPS (and to catch my breath). Slow and steady I moved, eventually being rewarded with a lovely breeze higher up. There was a brief scramble before the trail broke out into the scrub, and the sunny immediately brought me back to life. The rocks in the sun were bone dry, and I caught my first glimpse at the top, which was almost out of the clouds!

[10:22am - Cliff Walk]

Now I just had a short walk on Cliff Walk before my break at Bald Peak. It was beautiful and sunny with a cool breeze now. I was a little chilly with the wet shirt, but I knew I could shelter from the wind at Bald Peak and use the sun to dry out some. Cliff Walk brought me back into the woods, eventually scrambling up to the open summit of Bald Peak!

[10:28am - Bald Peak]

I had a lovely break at Bald Peak. The summit of Mt. Monadnock was in and out of the clouds. The Wapack Range was now mostly in view in the distance. I could make out (and hear) some folks working their way up the White Dot Trail. It was just lovely. I enjoyed some honey roasted pisachio, plenty of liquid, and took a quick scenic pee. It was also fun to see Gap Mountain! It was chilly in the wind, so once I was up, I was immediately moving again!

[10:39am - Smith Connecting Trail]

I continued onto Smith Connecting Trail, which descends along slabs into the col between Bald Peak and Mt. Moandnock, with Mt. Monadnock towering ahead - really such a fantastic view. There were nice views to Monte Rosa on the left as well. Eventually, the descend leads back into some beautiful woods, which were much warmer now that I was out of the wind. The trail turns away at the junction with Amphitheatre Trail junction, which is uniquely marked with four dots and a plus sign - not sure why.

[10:47am - Amphitheatre Trail]

Soon after the curious junction there was a rusted, metal disc nailed to a tree. I would guess an old blaze? Curious. The Amphitheatre Trail continues briefly in the woods before opening up on some beautiful, slanted slabs with partial views to the summit. Last time I was on this trail was during a rain storm, so this was a nice change of pace!

[10:50am - Side Foot Trail Joins]

The Side Foot Trail then joins and coincides while a volture was circling overhead - yikes! The trail skirted around a steep drop and then climbed some more, providing a nice view to Gap Mountain. 

[10:54am - Junction w/ White Arrow Trail]

Amphitheatre Trail briefly turned right onto White Arrow and then left off of it ~10 feet later before entering a really cool ledgy area. After, the trail reentered the woods and descended over steep, wet, slippery rocks. This pattern of ledge - wet woods - ledge continued for a bit, almost always with a nice view, though. Eventually, I descended on some dry open slabs and came to what I must assume is the black precipice before reentering the woods for a final time.

[11:06am - Smith Summit Trail]

Now it was finally time to summit Mt. Monadnock! At the Amphitheatre's terminus, I turned right onto the Smith Summit Trail, which would steeply bring me to the top. At first, I ventured through some more wet, slippery woods and over some trickling streams, and then I began to really ascend. I couldn't help but think about how crazy it was that the first two times I took this trail was via descent, and one time it was even raining. It's a rough trail!

There were great views the whole time and some fun scrambles (and gustier wind) higher up. It was now 52 degrees with 5-15mph winds, and one gust up to 20 mph. I hit the final, trickier scramble and made it to the summit area with views in almost all directions! All I had left was a few scrambly climbs to the tippy top.

[11:30am - Summit of Mt. Monadnock]

To no surprise, there were a decent amount of people, especially families, up top. It was windy and chilly, so I didn't plan to stick around. I found the two USGS discs that I know about - for a while I thought there were three, but after going through my photos a dozen times, it seems like only two! The views were amazing, to no surprise, but I was soon on my way to Jim's Junction!

[11:33am - Dublin/Marlboro Trails]

I followed the sign for the Dublin/Marlboro Trails and (aside from the summit) passed my first people of the day! The trial was wet, but not a problem at all. This whole area above "treeline" is just stunning.

[11:40am - Jim's Junction/Marlboro Trail]

I was feeling good at Jim's Junction, so I decided I'd take another break down at the junction with Marian Trail later. The sun was now behind the clouds, taking away some of the beloved warmth from before. My descent was slow and scrambly, as this trail gets comically steep (still better than descending on Do Drop). The steepness calmed down in a stunning mossy forest before coming to a ledge with views to Haystack Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Bromley Mountain, and Mt. Ascutney (I love this time of year when I can see the snow on the ski slopes still). 

It was now even cloudier and I had my first decent slip and fall of the day! Smashed my left hip into a rock - ouch. Thankfully, I was fine, and it doesn't actually count as a fall becuase my bum didn't touch the ground! The Marlboro Trail continued a rough descent through a crack in a rock and eventually opens up to a few slabby stretches marked with cairns.

At the junction with Marian Trail, I took a quick break to recouperate after my fall, eat some pistachios and a protein bar, and simply chill. This break actually saved my life, because I was considering cutting the hike short, but I was BACK. Next stop: Monte Rosa!

[12:09pm - Marian Trail]

I had similar, rough memories of the Marian Trail, specifically in regards to footing. The Marian Trail hikes past some cool, overhanging rock formations - they looked like you could just slot them right out from one another. Then, my memory was validated as true, as I had to descend on some large, slippery boulders, and then... SPLAT. Another slip and fall on my right hip - ouch! I had some colorful language escape from my mouth after this one, but I was still fine thankfully. 

From this point, the trail unfortunately just got rockier and slipperier (is that a word?). I was brought to sitting-and-scootching to avoid another catastrophe. On the bright side, the sun came out for the first time in about an hour, so that was a win! There was a beautiful stream crossing in the mossy woods, which was followed by a very pretty stretch. I was definitely on low-energy and low-excitement after my falls, but the beauty of the woods definitely helped to keep me going.

I continued a descent in an area with some slippery side-hilling, which I did remember being rough last time. That led to a small view and then turned into more pretty woods with GOOD FOOTING! Finally!

I passed some kind of recent mammal poop (the Seek app was not helpful) and then I think I heard it move in a grassy area just off-trail - exciting! I was NOT going to f- around and find out, though, so I kept it moving. I noticed an old herd path on the right just before the Great Pasture/Mossy Brook junction, not sure where it goes.

[12:43pm - Great Pasture Trail]

Last time I was on the Great Pasture Trail, I was descending, and I remember it being DUMB steep. The Great Pasture Trail began at the three way junction in a wet area with Marian and Mossy Brook Trails. It is blazed with yellow rectangles, and the footbed was similarly obscure to Nobel and Do Drop, but the blazes helped immensely! 

The trailbed soon got extremely rooty and then it got rockier and steeper. I did miss a turn, but quickly realized when the footbed got soft and got back on it. This trail did the thing that steep trails do where they pretend to have switchbacks, but they moreso just zigzag steeply up the mountain. It got STEEP, but I was very happy to be ascending versus descending. 

The Great Pasture Trail eventually opened up to a ledge with views to the summit. The trail was now mostly marked by spaced out cairns - I was just happy to be back on grippy rocks! I got a view out into southern Vermont, where I could now see Killington and Okemo! After some more climbing I, to quote my notes, "finally found that damn weathervane." I think it's time to start my return trip!

[12:58pm - Monte Rosa]

[12:59pm - Smith Summit Trail]

I did not stay at Monte Rosa for even a second. I continued on the confusing descent along Smith Summit Trail to The Tooth. I did get a little too confident on my foot placements though and slipped again, but I did NOT fall nor did I smash my left hip into a rock, so that's a win!

[1:02pm - Smith Bypass]

The Smith Bypass trail was short and sweet with some rocky footing, but all manageable. I had one final slip of the day, but I did catch myself... with my phone screen hitting a rock. It's hard to catch a break! I had my phone out to make sure I got on the Monte Rosa Trail and not the Fairy Spring Trail at the junction. So frustrating!

[1:08pm - Monte Rosa Trail]

The Monte Rosa continued to descend in steep woods. Thankfully, it was warm, sunny, and dry. I eventually crossed paths with my second group of people for the day! They were very nice and had a dog. They asked if they were on the Monte Rosa Trail, I said yes, they asked if this path goes to the summit, I said yes, assuming they meant the summit of Monte Rosa. In hindsight, they might have meant the tippy top, which we were nowhere nearby... They asked if they were far, I told them not distance-wise, but they were far [from Monte Rosa] elevation wise, and they got a chuckle. They then told me they were looking for Cart Path, but couldn't find it... I hope they made it through okay!

The Monte Rosa continued to plummet after this interaction, eventually crossing a lovely footbridge and terminating at the junction with White Arrow and Royce.

[1:19pm - Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail]

I had originally planned to descend via Halfway House or Toll Road, but I really didn't want to walk along NH-124, so back on Royce I went! I noticed some old machinery in the woods between White Arrow and Royce, but I was too far for a photo. I also heard what sounded like yardwork, maybe coming from the private residence. The sun was starting to feel hot, which felt amazing. My brain was on low-thinking-energy as I continued my descent.

I stepped through a few muddy puddles and noticed that the waterproofing on my boots wasn't as strong as it once was. I zoned out for a while, but came back when I started to cross some streams and neared the road. I passed some yellow flowers that I noticed hadn't bloomed as of the morning, but were now proudly on display. I soon entered state land, crossed a rock wall, and then I was at NH-124!

[1:51pm - Crossing Rt. 124]

I had another easy crossing of NH-124, passed an old M+M Trail Marker, and was back in the woods. My brain turned off for this stretch again, which was kind of nice. I crossed the steams, entered the safety zone, passed the boulders, and eventaully made it back to the parking lot!

[2:13pm - End of Hike]

There was one other car at the parking lot, but no people to be seen. I was TIRED. My heart wanted to hit Gap Mountain, too, but my body was all done. Plus, I had to wake up super early the next day to drive to NJ to see Boop! on Broadway (very fun show). Besides my hip pain, another great day on my favorite mountain!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Gap Mountain Reservation North parking area.

- Start hike on parking lot spur to Metacomet-Monadnock Trail/Royce Trail (blue diamond).

- At jct., turn left onto Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail (white rectangle). 

- Cross NH-124, continue on Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail (white rectangle).

- At terminus, turn right onto White Arrow Trail (white arrow).

- At Halfway House Site, follow spur trail to Hello Rock/Point Surprise/Thoreau Trails.

- At jct., turn right onto Hello Rock Trail (unblazed).

- At terminus, turn left onto Cliff Walk (white diamonds/white Cs).

- At jct., turn left onto Point Surprise Trail (unblazed).

- At terminus, turn right onto Thoreau Trail (unblazed).

- At terminus, turn left onto Cliff Walk (white diamonds/white Cs).

- At jct., turn left onto Do Drop Trail (unblazed).

- At terminus, turn right onto Side Foot Trail (white rectangles).

- At jct., turn right onto Noble Trail (unblazed).

- At terminus, turn left onto Cliff Walk (white diamonds/white Cs).

- Summit Bald Rock.

- Continue onto Smith Connecting Trail (yellow Ss)

- At jct., turn left onto Amphitheatre Trail (yellow rectangles).

- At terminus, turn right onto Smith Summit Trail (white dots/white Ss).

- Summit Mt. Monadnock.

- Descend via Dublin/Marlboro Trail (white Ds/Ms).

- At Jim's Junction, turn left onto Marlboro Trail (white Ms).

- At jct., turn left onto Marian Trail (yellow dots).

- At jct., turn left onto Great Pasture Trail (yellow rectangles).

- Summit Monte Rosa.

- Continue on Smith Summit Trail (white dots/white Ss).

- At jct., turn right onto Smith Bypass.

- At jct., continue straight onto Monte Rosa Trail.

- At jct., continue straight/right onto Metacomet-Monadnock/Royce Trail (white rectangles).

- Retrace steps back to car.

Map of Mt. Monadnock

Photo Album