Mount Monadnock

Trails Used

White Dot up, White Cross down

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Overall a very wet trail with sections of slush, mud or standing/flowing water. We were told there was a lot of ice up high, but we only saw two 10ish foot sections of ice, so the spikes took a ride. The middle section of White Cross is a stream right now. The sun threatened to come out all day, but only made it after we got back to the car.

Parking

Tons of room at Park HQ

Water Crossings

Flowing water, but plenty of rocks to hop

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

Wapack Trail, Auto Road

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

North Pack to Pack today via the Wapack Trail (and auto road). Surprised at the lack of snow and ice on the trail, but we gladly took it. All snow and ice was navigated/avoided with careful stepping. Trickiest part of the day was the ascent up Pack below Joanne Bass Preserve. There was a (maybe) .2 mile stretch where we could have donned spikes, but we just took our time and stepped carefully. Auto Road is completely clear (and still closed). Also of note, the bathrooms at the top of Pack are open, but completely out of TP. Plan accordingly. Shouldn’t be too much longer until the majority (entirety?) of the Wapack is ice/snow free. Mud season is almost upon us!

Parking

Plenty of parking at both Miller and the northern terminus of the Wapack.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

N/A

Trails Used

White Dot Trail, Cascade Link, Pumpelly Trail, White Arrow Trail, Carriage Road, Parker Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Spring is springing. Peak was is a thick dark cloud at the start but cleared beautifully on the approach. Cascade link had running water in some areas but nothing too bad. Spots of ice here and there but again, nothing in the way. Pumpelly up higher had some areas where you will stop in your tracks and question traction. All manageable if you take your time and the slabs were mostly clear of anything difficult. Some of the scramble areas are more challenging with ice and snow but not enough to get my spikes on. Summit was gorgeous and free from any ice/snow but pretty breezy and chilly. And now for White Arrow- NOT recommended for the decent. All passable and doable but you will slow to a snails pace with the thick ice. Some areas you can avoid, some you can’t and spikes went on. Crampons would have been appropriate! I ate pine needles a few times and that was with careful steps and a very slow pace. You will be showing your dance moves for sure.

Parking

Plentiful parking and it was quite busy today.

Water Crossings

No issues, all rock hopable