Jacques C.

This is the perfect beginner mountain. It has a nice elevation gain without being a killer. A fantastic prep for the white mountains further up in the state. The beat way to go is to take the white dot tail up, a trail I always call the stair-stepper, then take the white cross down because it's less steep and you're less likely to slip. Overall a great family hike too. It starts off steady and then quickly turns into about 0.5 miles of mostly steep evevation gain. Then there's a plateau and a minor climb to the top on barren rock. From the top you can see to Mt Wachusett in Central mass and all the way to Boston on a clear day. Watch out for the leafer crowds though because it is an easy hike and is very accessible. It can get crowded. During Covid you have to reserve parking ahead of time to hike here.

Hanna G.

First "mountain" climbed! Whoo! I checked the reviews before setting out with my gym group on a crisp autumn day for the hike, and boy were there wide spectrum assessment for the difficulty level...! Some people said it was easy little hike and others saying it was very challenging. I would recommend just checking either Wikipedia or the park website itself for more objective assessments, which ranks this as "moderate". It's definitely not the most challenging, but I would hesitate to recommend this to beginners due to the steep, rocky and slippery features of the most popular paths especially near the actual summit. Hiking boots are helpful and don't make the same mistake as me for drinking all your water on the ascent. Some generous fellow hikers gave us an unopened water bottle though, which was very much appreciated. Mt. Monadnock is definitely one of the most popular places to hike, and they can easily get away with charging $5/person with the hundreds of thousands of people that probably visit each year. On the perfect autumn day (10/15/16), there must have been at least a few hundred people climbing as we were constantly sandwiched in between groups who were either trying to circumvent us or right on our tails. Granted we did take the most direct/popular paths of White Dot up and White Cross down. The scenery during the fall is breathtaking with the foliage and the multiple false peaks that tease you. "We're almost there...?!" So many gorgeous photo opportunities if you can find an area not densely packed with other bodies especially at the summit. When we reached the top around 11:30am, there were people lining each crevice of the mountain and it was difficult to get a photo that captured all of the natural beauty. As you can imagine with all these people traversing the trail the large rocks are smoothed down and slippery. I can imagine hiking Monadnock while it's raining would be quite treacherous. In several areas there are steep inclines and most people are also crawling on their hands or propelling themselves upwards from one boulder to the next. You could take a longer way and go around for some of these areas. Strangely enough there were several patches of wet/muddy and spots leftover probably from previous rain especially on the way down in the shaded areas. I personally think that the descent is trickier than the ascent especially since we took a different path down. We traded the larger smoother rocks/boulders for those pesky ENDLESS small uneven rocks. I was so sick of them not even halfway down, if I were to come here again I would look into using a different path since the impact on your knees is quite jarring. So if you're like me using hiking poles on the way down can definitely alleviate some of the impact on your knees/ankles. I definitely felt that the next day and avoided stairs as much as I could. All in all it was a pleasant but challenging experience for me since prior to this we had only hiked easy and short 1-2 hour hikes. If we return we'll check out the other paths plan on bringing more water.

Juan F.

This was one of the hardest hikes I've ever done! Mother nature wasn't happy that day. Took us about 4 hours to complete it. However, because it started raining so hard everything became muddy and slippery so it was a bit more dangerous. You can get lost really easily, so keep your eye open for TINY orange circles on trees. Other than that, I hope you can read maps cause I cannot. View is awesome and the scenery is nice.

Sonia N.

I've hiked up to Mount Monadnock 3 times now and it never gets old! The 360 degrees summit views are spectacular for it being less than a 4000 footer and there are multiple vista views on the way up as well. Recently brought along a greenhorn and it was just the perfect intro length at under 4 miles roundtrip via the White Dot trail. Don't get me wrong, there will be intermediate spots so I would not classify this as an easy trail. You still need to have good shoes, a good deal of layered clothes and your usual hiking essentials. Foliage is amazing this time of the year but if I were to do it over again, I'd aim for September to get both the foliage and the warmer weather as the summit was quite nippy and windy when we got there. Fabulous time to be had by all! I'm sure I'll be back again. Tip: Bring cash to park in the lot. It's $5/pp and they don't accept credit cards.

Johnny L.

Great hike. Took about 4 hours to hike up the white cross trail and down the white dot trail. This included a lunch at the top and multiple breaks through the hike. Parking - probably the biggest downside. It's $5 per person to park. I get it, they need money, but come on other places charge per car. Why be different! Facilities - they have portable toilets and an outhouse kind of setup. Definitely go to the bathroom before hand some place near by if you can't handle the smell of.... Other people. There's also no running water so make sure to fill up before hand. They also have a store with general supplies if needed. Tips - bring a light jacket as it does get windy up top. Make sure to pack alot of water, snacks, and probably a meal to eat if that's your MO.

Liz C.

I honestly could not give this mountain less than 5 stars. It is beautiful. That being said, I don't know if I could recommend it to first time hikers. I have hiked before, many of the smaller mountains in the White Mountains and Cannon Mt. I found this to be the most difficult (and yes I know Cannon is 2000 feet higher). The rocky terrain and steepness of the trails make it hard. We took the easiest and most travelled route. White Dot up and White Cross down. It took 2 hours to get up and it was a good cardio workout. Going down also took 2 hours but much more of an orthopedic workout, particular knees and feet. I brought 2 bottles of water and was done about a half hour before I finished. All that being said, I saw lots of kids running up the mountain without a problem. Things to bring: Water, protein snacks, camera or phone, hiking shoes, small first aid kit, with an ace bandage (lots of loose rocks), sweater or jacket for the summit (it can get really cold and windy at the top). I am really looking forward to trying another route to the top soon.

Brian S.

Thoreau Emerson and zillions of others Many people have claimed that Mount Monadnock is the most climbed mountain in the United States and even one of the most climbed mountains in the entire world. I think Mt Fuji in Japan and some mountains in China have Monadnock beat but there can be no denying that it is a very popular place. Both Henry Thoreau and Ralph Emerson loved the mountain and wrote extensively about it. It's easy to see why. Beautiful and lush forest on the bottom that gives way to a barren and ethereal summit with gorgeous views in every direction. Mt Monadnock has been climbed, worshiped and a adored for centuries. The top is about 3,165 feet and although it won't kill you like Mt Washington will gladly do, the climb isn't always as easy as some people claim. In nice weather, certain trails get to the summit without too much effort although you still have to be aware that you are going up a pretty large mountain. I have seen women with dresses and heels and other fools with sandals starting the climb and I suspect they didn't get very far. The vast numbers of rocks, roots and steep climbs makes decent footwear and common sense a must. In the winter or in wet weather the climb can be quite challenging, especially if you go up the south side of the mountain. The last several hundred feet is exposed and the trail is basically just a rock slope you have to scramble up using your hands as well as your feet. In ice or damp conditions the climb can be quite slippery and requires care. Certainly not a place for people afraid of heights and folks do get injured. I remember one particular time during very wet weather that we basically just slid down the entire mountain. Another time I can recall grabbing hold of a fairly large tree that unfortunately wasn't very secure and then having the whole thing come down on me. A absolutely gorgeous place that I hate giving only five stars to. It's easy to see why Mount Monadnock has been so revered for so long. No matter what time of the year you go you will be awed by it's beauty. Just make sure you remember that it is a mountain and never stop respecting it.

Nat S.

My favorite climb, I have been hiking up this gem since I was 6. Please don't be that tourist that does not plan accordingly. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, a headlamp or flashlight, coat, and an emergency blanket. They have to rescue a fair amount of ill prepared tourists a year. If it is too hard turn around and save yourself the embarrassment, of ending up in the newspaper. You are climbing up a mountain not a hill. Still an easier climb than the big dogs up in the white mountains. Not telling you my favorite trails- you just go and do the white dot! If you get into trouble, that is the best one, most rangers, quicker response time.

Casey M.

On the summit as I stood, O'er the wide floor of plain and flood, Seemed to me, the towering hill Was not altogether still, But a quiet sense conveyed; If I err not, thus it said:-- "Many feet in summer seek, Betimes, my far-appearing peak; In the dreaded winter time, None save dappling shadows climb, Under clouds, my lonely head, Old as the sun, old almost as the shade. And comest thou To see strange forests and new snow, And tread uplifted land? And leavest thou thy lowland race, Here amid clouds to stand? And would'st be my companion, Where I gaze, And shall gaze, When forests fall, and man is gone, Over tribes and over times, As the burning Lyre, Nearing me, With its stars of northern fire, In many a thousand years? "Monadnoc is a mountain strong, Tall and good my kind among; But well I know, no mountain can Measure with a perfect man. For it is on temples writ, Adamant is soft to wit: And when the greater comes again With my secret in his brain, I shall pass, as glides my shadow Daily over hill and meadow... "Through all time, I heard the approaching feet Along the flinty pathway beat Of him that cometh, and shall come; Of him who shall as lightly bear My daily load of woods and streams, As doth this round sky-cleaving boat Which never strains its rocky beams; Whose timbers, as they silent float, Alps and Caucasus uprear, And the long Alleghanies here, And all town-sprinkled lands that be, Sailing through stars with all their history. -Emerson writes a better review than I....

John B.

I'm no couch potato, but this was a ball buster. Dot up, cross down. If you only look at one picture to decide if you want to try Monadnock, look at mine (YES, you go up those rocks). Took us a leasurely 4.5 hours to do, luckily it was an overcast cool day. We got passed by plenty of fitter folks, but few came close to packing the appropriate goods to do this climb, my pack was 15 pounds, my wife's was 5. Also, if you want to see less people, find another route, don't expect rookie climbers to NOT do what the ranger recommends. Going on a weekday early in the morning is also helpful to get the mountain to yourself.

Freda L.

So much fun! The park ranger suggested that we go up the white dot trail and down the white cross trail. The white dot is pretty steep going up and took us almost 2 hours. The white cross trail gets steep at certain points but overall, easier than it would be to go down the white cross trail. It took us a little more than an hour to go down. There were quite a few puddles and tricky areas. The top of the mountain is quite windy. I would bring an extra jacket or find shelter behind the large rocks. Overall, a great experience and a lot of fun! Wear sunscreen and lots of repellant.

Carrie M.

I did this hike for the first time this year, and I can't wait to go back. I was amazed by the mix of people there. It was so great to see people of such a range in age and fitness all there to do the same thing, get to the top. There were families with three generations there all making the trek to the top. Some needed an extra hand every now and then (heck, so did I), but they were sticking to it and determined. My boyfriend and I made it to the top and the view was beautiful. It was nice to just sit and relax and take it all in before heading back down. I enjoyed seeing all the people we had passed along the way also achieving the goal of reaching the top. The family that was complaining less than 20 minutes into the venture, the older woman who needed help from her grandkids, the four year old with more energy than her family, all of them completed the journey. Bring water, a snack, and $3 for the hike cost. Also, keep in mind it can get cold at the top, so you may want an extra layer. Be prepared to hit some pretty steep inclines, but remember the view that lies ahead when you complete it. And take in all the people around you, such a great experience.

Richard D.

I absolutely love this mountain! Maybe it's my skill level or something, but I feel like this is a relatively easy-moderate climb.. I climbed the mountain for the 1st time 16 or 17 years ago. It was this time of year, probably late Sept- early October because the foliage was beautiful..I was with a group of about 15, everyone having different skill levels. I did notice a few people having a hard time, but they we're people who exercised only on occasion that really weren't the type of folks that would set out to do something this adventurous if it weren't for the persistant nagging of a friend or some other influence. The most amazing part, obviously, is the top. This particular day the wind was blowing SO hard that we we're all jumping in the air and being carried by the wind as we jumped..it was so cool. Oh, and the temp does drop about 5-10 degrees once at the top, so be prepared with the clothing you're wearing and the extra clothes you bring. The 2nd time I climbed up was with one of my best buds. We set out early and it was also this time of year because the foliage was just stunning! We had such a great time navigating up and then down choosing trails sometimes on mere whim. What a great time having a nearly flawless climb up and down.. I would climb this mountain every weekend if it was closer! I highly recommend this climb for most folks looking to climb an easy-moderate mountain that can be completed round trip in under 6 hours. *Most of all--wear broken in, quality hiking boots, bring a backpack full of fluids, snacks, lunch, extra clothes and first aid items. But this is a no brainer on any climb....