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2 reviews for Monadnock State Park
I went camping for 3 days last week and Monadnock State Park. Now, it is not yet camping season, so the boy and I were not too concerned with making reservations. But just in case, on the way there (we were just over the MA border by this point), we decided to give them a call and make sure they had some sites available and that all was good to go. When the park ranger answered, he said, "I am helping someone at the moment (in the office), can you hold a moment?" I said "Sure," and he put the phone down on the counter.
That's right folks, no fancy "hold" music here. Nope. I sat there listening to background conversation for several minutes. Then I heard the ranger, in the distance, say "Have a nice hike!" And then silence. I sat there, on the line, hearing mostly silence (and a few shuffles of paper) for about 25 minutes. It was actually sort of funny, and eventually we hung up.
When we got there, the ranger was very nice. He said only one other person was camping, and allowed us to have our choice of sites, and even allowed us to use the larger "reserved" sites, if we wanted them. We found a nice site right by a stream, not too far from the outhouse, etc. It was quite lovely. Being there was no one else was around was fantastic, although I can imagine that even if the sites were all filled, it wouldn't be too bad. The sites were a good distance from one another, unlike many parks these days that cram 'em in.
The following morning we hiked up the mountain. We took the most popular trail, the "White Dot Trail." Somewhat unassuming at first -- a nice clear trail, some rocks and roots, but nothing too challenging. But after about 20 mins, the trail took a quick turn into parts where we were climbing over large rocks, and as you got closer to the summit (about a 3,000ft elevation, 2,000 of which you actually climb) it's all rock sheers. Picture huge, steep rock sliding boards that you have to climb. Don't wear sandals. It was kinda crazy, but a lot of fun! The hike takes about 2.5-3 hours round trip.
This park is quite popular. We were there during the week, and even at that, we saw a lot of people out on the trail. My favourite part was the woman who we saw climb the mountain at least 3 times during our one hike (up and down). She was hardcore, and I can only assume that she either (A) has no life, or (B) was training for a bi/triathalon. Then again, there was a bizarre old man with no shirt that was doing the same thing, so maybe it's just a NH thing? Hah.
Don't go here if you're looking for a nice quiet hike. This is apparently the 2nd most hiked mountain in the world, second only to Mt. Fuji. Who knew! I can only imagine how busy it is on the weekends. But I'll definitely go back at some point. Great hike, great views, friendly people, and awesome camping.
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Living right down the road, I haven't found myself here as much as I should. It's really a great resource for the community, although it is mobbed with torists in the summer. I went up in my snow shoes, which worked pretty well except where there was exposed rock. I had to ditch them at the top, as spikes can scratch up the rocky top (and land you flat on your face). This is a fairly short hike for 360 views. I think what makes it so striking is the fact that there aren't any larger mountains around, so you feel higher than you are. The treeless surface also makes you feel as if you are higher up in the whites, although it is the result of a fire, not a natural alpine environment. There are 90 miles of trails in the park altogether. The entry fee is $4 a person; kind of steep if you live in town and want to go all the time.
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