This hike was my third to Mt. Monadnock, and the first leg of the Six Peaks Challenge. It was a great day and partially overcast, which actually was good for hiking. Met very few people on the trail both ways, and around 10 at the top. I love this mountain as it’s the closest from my place where a respectful hiking is possible, but it still takes 1hr 45m by car.

The trail was generally in good condition with some wet patches due to the rain a couple days ago, but they were all manageable. The first 2 miles from the trailhead is a mild uphill on soft soil. The next mile is strewn with narrow, steep and wet climbs with lots of pebbles. Then the trail changes to steep and rocky uphills, mostly covered with granite rocks, and you can start to see awesome open views after that. After walking on granite ridges for a while, you reach the final climb to the summit for about a half mile.

The trail has several mounds and not-too-deep chasms to be negotiated, which makes the hike more interesting for both ways (it’s not all downhill when you go back down).