Trails Used

White Dot Trail, Cascade Link, Spellman Trail, Pumpelly Trail, Red Spot Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a highly rewarding and challenging semi-loop, taking the White Dot Trail to the Cascade Link, before ascending the Spellman Trail to the Pumpelly ridgeline. The rocks were dry and grippy, and the abundant scrambling on Spellman was lots of fun for me and my 9-year-old. It was cool and rather gusty once out on the open rocks, and we decided to directly descend the Red Spot Trail rather than taking on the final 0.4 miles to the summit cone. Views were spectacular from the Spellman ledges, along the ridgeline when hiking the Pumpelly Trail (between Spellman and Red Spot), and from several locations on the Red Spot Trail as well. Foliage was probably 50-75% to peak- plenty to enliven the forest both within and when looking down from 1,500' above. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!

Parking

We had made reservations in advance at Monadnock State Park HQ, but there were still about 1/3 - 1/2 of the spaces available. I doubt this would have been true on Saturday.

Water Crossings

No significant crossings; there were a couple minor areas of mud and standing water that were easily avoidable by rock hopping.

Wildlife

None!

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

Fire tower trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail starts directly opposite the parking lot, through a mowed yard with no path, between two houses. (I tried to follow Gaia, but it was wrong, the trail is somewhere in between the two that it shows. I did a short bushwhack to meet it.) The trail/ jeep road was in surprisingly good dry condition, as was the tower. I sat and watched the sunrise for over an hour, but in the breeze above the trees it got chilly. It was quick to get down. I did pass one other hiker, a local who stopped to chat (briefly in the swarm of mosquitos).

Parking

Parking for a few cars right at the bridge over the Connecticut river.

Water Crossings

A step over stream in the beginning with good water to filter.

Wildlife

Mosquitos were bad in the morning but bug spray kept them away from me. I saw a guy coming up and he was swarmed with mosquitos.

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot Trail, Cascade Link, Red Spot Trail, Pumpelly Trail, White Cross

Trail Conditions

Notes

Up Red Spot Trail, down White Cross Trail. This is one of my favorite loops on the east side of the mountain. Red Spot is much less crowded than White Dot, but it has some decent scrambles near the top. This loop also includes a beautiful section of Pumpelly Trail. Sheep laurel and three toothed cinquefoil are blooming. The blueberries are coming. Summer won't slow down. Enjoy it while you can.

Parking

Parked at the state park headquarters.

Water Crossings

The brook crossing Cascade Link is very low. Easy to cross.

Wildlife

Not bad.

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Notes

Hiker Rachel Sahagun became disoriented on Mt. Monadnock's White Dot Trail during descent due to low light and heavy fog approximately 1.25 miles from the trailhead. She called for help but continued hiking down on her own as conditions improved and exited without requiring assistance.

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot/Cross Loop

Trails Used

White Dot, Cascade Link, Spellman, Pumpelly, White Cross

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trails in good shape. Some wet rocks on Spellman but not hard to work around them. Water in white dot/cross trails was easy to avoid. No real issues anywhere.

Water Crossings

no problems

Wildlife

some busybody gnats at the parking area. Stiff breeze kept everything at bay.

Trails Used

Cascade, Pumpelly

Equipment

Notes

Double summit day. Initial attempt abandoned due to forgetting spikes. Second ascent used trail runners. Total distance: 8.3 miles, time: 4:18, elevation gain: 3600ft. Runner reports mental frustration with recent fitness decline due to iron issues, COVID recovery, and pelvic injury rehabilitation. Plans upcoming Dolomites and Wonderland backpacking trips.

Water Crossings

Ran out of water during hike, affecting planned descent route

Trails Used

White Dot Tr, White Cross Tr.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Traditional route today, saw a handful of people, but generally quiet trails. Up White Dot, down White Cross. Some sloppy sections here and there but managed to find some rock hops to avoid them. Mount Washington was glowy white in the distance, good views all around. Some yellow violets flowering along White Dot Tr before first set of ledges. Snow in the scrub up top below the summit, dusting, patchy ice in the puddles, but no traction needed. About 34oF on the summit this morning.

Parking

Parking at Monadnock State Park, ample parking on a Tuesday morning, bathrooms, etc.

Water Crossings

n/a

Trails Used

Dublin trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Trail is wet but no ice. Light to moderate mud and rocks are slippery

Wildlife

Horse flies

Trails Used

White Dot

Trail Conditions

Notes

A beautiful day.

Parking

Lots of parking

Water Crossings

Easy

Wildlife

None

Notes

Three minor hikers from Massachusetts were stranded on the Red Spot Trail on Mount Monadnock due to being unprepared for winter conditions, lacking proper footwear, gear, and lights. Conservation Officers located them on the Old Ski Path Trail and assisted them down to Monadnock Headquarters.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Ice-free trails, endless views, moss-laden forests. Hiked in spring fashion a few hours after arriving at Bradley International Airport.

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