Monadnock State Park Campground

My ten year old son and I hiked the white cross trail in April. Great hike, our first larger mountain. We saw a lot of younger kids doing the hike as well-which was impressive. Park is well maintained. The hike up the mountain is challenging (for us city folk from Wellesley). So worth it at the top. I would strongly recommend extra water and a jacket if it it rains.

Such a fun hike. Drove over two hours to do it and was worth it. Did the white dot trail to the summit. It is definitely challenging. Plan layers and take your time if you choose to do it

I’m absolutely a beginner but I had no trouble climbing up. Note: this isn’t your typical trail, it’s a hike! My husband and I started late in the afternoon, we started our hike around 4:30 and made it up just before Monte Rosa view. We would have climbed up to the summit but we were too late. We don’t want to came back down in the dark as we don’t have flashlights.
We started at Old Toll Road (Jaffrey, NH side) then picked up the White Arrow Trail by the Halfway House site. From there, the challenge has started climbing up on the rocky trail! I wasn’t wearing proper hiking shoes so it was challenging. I’m 5 feet tall so my steps are shorter but I was able to make it halfway! I’m going back to climb all the way up to the summit and this time, I’m going to start earlier to enjoy the view!
Bring water, snacks, and wear your hiking boots!! And oh a flashlight! You just don’t know when you will need it as it gets really dark up there.
The video is from the halfway house view! It was beautiful and worth the climb. I highly recommend this hike!

Excellent but challenging hike in southern New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock lives up to its name, as it is definitely the tallest peak in an otherwise relatively flat area, making the views from the summit all the more spectacular. The park has a multitude of well-marked trails, but the most popular route is to take the White Dot Trail up and the White Cross Trail back down. Roundtrip, it took us about 4 hours, with several breaks along the way up and about 20 minutes spent at the summit included.

There are several notably steep sections, so wear good hiking shoes and use caution especially when coming down. Come prepared with lots of water and some snacks. There are many places along the way to stop and enjoy the views, but nothing beats the summit. Just be ready for a lot of bugs at the top! Parking costs $15, and you can reserve your spot in advance online. No dogs are allowed in the park. There are nice restrooms, a small informational office, and a store near the main parking lot. An excellent way to spend half a day, enjoy some beautiful New England views, and get a good workout in!

Beautiful mountain. This is NOT an easy hike, but the mountain is welcoming to beginners and experienced hikers. Reservations are required for parking. From the lot, there are two trails-white dot and white cross. Both offer a challenge. You can do this in sneakers but boots are better. Bring enough water. If you think you only need two bottles bring three. You'd prob rather have more and carry it down than not enough. But the summit is beautiful and very worth the climb. Going up makes you feel accomplished. Coming down, well your legs will likely feel like jelly. But it is a great hike.