[redsox322]

Once the weather gets better I plan on summiting Mt. Monadnock; sort of a kick-off for the summer ahead. Has anyone else climbed this? and if so, what trails do you recommend.

I've talked to a few other hikers, but they all have different "best" ways up haha

[rocksnrolls]

I've hiked almost all of the trails on Monadnock. The White Dot and White Cross are the most direct and commonly used trail for getting to the summit. If it's a nice day expect to see LOTS of other hikers if you go that way. The Pumpelly Tr is the longest but you'll get many great views and is one of my favorites. The Red Spot and Spellman Tr are the steepest and rockiest. Quite alot of fun if you don't mind rock hopping and scrambling up ledges. The Marlboro Tr is another great trail, kind of in the middle range challenge-wise and less frequently travelled. The White Arrow is a beautiful hike and I recommend the side trip to Monte Rosa. The part of this trail above the tree line is fairly challenging. One of my favorite areas on Monadnock is the spoke trails that head from the Halfway House site to the Cliff Walk. Each one has a unique character and redlining them in one day would make for a heck of a hike!

[EngineCo.2]

Redsox322, I have to agree w/ rocksnrolls. Pompelly trail is my fave as well. However; the White arrow, White cross , to Cliff Walk trail is definately a close second. The fact that Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson hung around these places much as we do is ,to say the least, humbling. Also later in the season , the Cliff Walk trail has some beautiful fern stands and an unbelievable blanket of moss underneath some of the spruces.Most any trail you take will not be disappointing.This past weekend I noticed the Red-tailed Hawks had started returning as there were a dozen or so circling around.This time of year is great for doing Monadnock because there are hardly anyone up here.(only met 7 last week!)Traction devices are recommended though.Also, I heard that the Dublin trail was relocated somewhat ( I don't know status of it ) No matter which trail you choose, this is a very enjoyable hike off-season , and on-season if you don't mind sharing it with 127,000 others ! :

Ed