You Are Here: September 2024

Today I completed all the trails at Mt Monadnock. Took me 10 hikes over 4 years, but I got it done! I parked at the Old Toll House parking and was surprised how few cars there were by 9am, though on my return the lot was almost full. I started on the Old Halfway House Trail which runs alongside the Old Toll Road for much of the way, but is an actual trail. At times it is higher than the road, and does take a turn in about halfway. It was a nice alternative to the road and was much quieter, in fact I saw no one. Once at Cart Path, I took an established herd path up to the road and continued up to the White Trail/Monte Rosa intersection. I stayed straight onto Monte Rosa Trail, which is a short, steep climb up to the Monte Rosa peak. The clouds were very low this morning and it was cool hiking up into the mist. There were a couple of scrambly bits near the top, but nothing crazy. I saw my first 2 people just below the summit. No views today, but that's OK, I had seen the view the last time I was here several weeks ago. The wind picked up as I broke treeline, and I put on a long sleeve, but it was deceivingly warm considering and thankfully no precipitation. I continued up to the summit on Smith Summit Trail, passing just a couple people along the way. I actually enjoy this climb. I had no views today, but I enjoy climbing up the rocks. The 2 times I have done this climb, it's a challenge, but not scary. As always, the summit itself was very busy, in fact there was a large group of children right on the actual summit sitting around. I did not attempt to go over and put my foot on the survey marker as I didn't want to fight through all those kids. With no views whatsoever, and it having taken me a long time to get up there, I didn't linger and began my descent after a quick break. On top of my regular turtle pace, I took my time on this hike, knowing it was my last. This mountain is far too busy for my liking, so it's not a place I intend to revisit unless someone wants me to accompany them on a hike! I needed the top section of White Arrow Trail, so headed over to take that trail down. Look for the trail descriptions painted on the rocks. I knew White Arrow was steep, but it was way steeper than I had anticipated. It was busy with folks ascending as well. Lots of butt sliding and gymnastics to get down the initial descent. I actually thought it was kind of fun! The clouds started to lift as I descended and I had some peek a boo views. Once down to Amphitheatre Trail, I took that back over to Smith Summit. That is a challenging trail in my opinion. My first time on that trail I was going in the opposite direction, which I think I preferred to this time. By the time I reached Black Precipice, the view had just about completely cleared, so I took a few minutes enjoying it before continuing. I climbed back up to Monte Rosa and continued down Great Pasture Trail, which is really steep. This is where I started to bonk and just wanted to be done! I was really glad to reach the Mossy Brook Trail, but found it tiresome because it's very mossy (imagine that!) and rooty. The trail follows a brook that is super mossy, which was kind of cool. It was pretty messy though with storm debris, and very little water flow. I finally reached my final trail of the mountain, Cart Path. This was much smoother, which I was very grateful for. Once back at the Old Toll Road, it was bittersweet. I have a love/hate relationship with this mountain. I did enjoy all my hikes. Every single one challenged me.

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