Monadnock State Park

With its 5,000 acres of protected highlands, 3,165-ft. Mt. Monadnock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1987. There are 40 miles of maintained foot trails, many of which lead to the bare rock summit through unique alpine vegetation. Unsurpassed 100-mile views to points in all six New England states are the reward for a climb. A magnet for hikers, Monadnock is said to be the second most frequently climbed mountain in the world, after Japan's Mt. Fuji. Approximately 12 miles of the trail system in the lower elevations offers ski touring for the experienced cross country skier.

The main trail up Monadnock starts at the end of a paved road. Trail information and maps are posted near the Visitor Center at the start of the trail. The Monadnock Visitor Center offers interesting exhibits on various aspects of the park's history, ecology and trails. Monadnock State Park is a carry in/carry out park site; please carry home what you carry in. Remember there are no facilities available on the mountain.

Location: Off Route 124, Jaffrey
Phone: 603-532-8862
Activities: Camping, hiking, picnicking
Amenities: Campground, picnic tables, visitor's center, showers

Operation Schedule: Year round

Acreage: over 5,000 acres

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History
Monadnock, which comes originally from the Abnacki Native American word for mountain that stands alone, is now a standard geological term for any singular mountain that rises above the surrounding plain.

This area has a rich cultural history and a tradition of providing inspiration for the works of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mark Twain, and Abbott Thayer.

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the state's oldest non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1901, is the major landowner on Mt. Monadnock. It holds more than 3,500 acres in the public interest. The Monadnock acquisition program, begun in 1910, is still continuing. Lands on Monadnock are leased to the state for management purposes.