Mount Greylock
January 21, 2023
No Comments
Join the Challenge
The 6th Annual New England Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic New England mountains.
This year there are eleven mountains to choose from. Hike any six to complete the challenge and earn your finisher patch, or tackle the ‘classic' peaks and earn a special badge.
You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks, or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you.
You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.
Overview Map of the New England Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Peaks of the New England Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Classic Peaks
MOUNT MONADNOCK – Elevation 3,165′ (965 m)
At 3,165 feet, Mount Monadnock is 1,000 feet higher than any peak within 30 miles, making it the most prominent mountain in Southern New Hampshire. It's bare, rocky summit has expansive 360-degree views, and is often cited as one of the most-climbed mountains in the world.
Recommended Six-Pack Route Details: Pumpelly Trail
Distance: 8.3 miles; Vertical +/- 2,004 ft.
MOUNT GREYLOCK – Elevation 3,491′ (1,064 m)
Mount Greylock is the highest natural point in Massachusetts. Although geologically part of the Taconic Mountains, it is commonly associated with the abutting Berkshire Hills to the east. The mountain is known for its expansive views encompassing five states and the only taiga-boreal forest in the state.
Six-Pack Route Details: Gould and Thunderbolt Loop
Distance: 6.5 miles; Vertical +/- 2,267 ft.
MOUNT MANSFIELD – Elevation 4,393′ (1,339 m)
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont and flagship peak within the famous Vermont Green Mountains. The mountain is one of two spots in Vermont where true alpine tundra survives from the Ice Ages.
Six-Pack Route Details: Mount Mansfield Loop Trail
Distance: 7.3 miles; Vertical +/- 2,880 ft.
CAMEL'S HUMP – Elevation 4,083′ (1,245 m)
Camel's Hump is Vermont’s third-highest mountain and highest undeveloped peak. It is perhaps the state's most recognized mountain because of its camel-like shape. The views from the summit are panoramic.
Six-Pack Route Details: Long Trail Loop
Distance: 6.7 miles; Vertical +/- 2,739 ft.
MOUNT LINCOLN – Elevation 5,089′ (1,551 m)
The hike up Mount Lincoln negotiates what is known as the Franconia Ridge Traverse, one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in the country. The entire route dips and climbs over 9 miles of rough terrain, three major peaks (Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette Mountains), with a very respectable 3,875 total gain in elevation.
Six-Pack Route Details: Franconia Ridge Traverse
Distance: 9.4 miles; Vertical +/- 3,875 ft.
MOUNT WASHINGTON – Elevation 6,288′ (1,917 m)
Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern U.S. and the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. Hikers will endure a 4,000 gain in elevation over some very rugged terrain. It is often called the most dangerous small mountain in the world, largely due to sudden and severe changes in weather that can occur year round.
Six-Pack Route Details: Tuckerman Ravine Trail from Pinkham Notch
Distance: 8 miles; Vertical +/- 4,169 ft.
The Alternate Peaks
BEAR MOUNTAIN – Elevation 2,316′ (706m)
Bear Mountain offers a classic New England hiking experience. Tucked amidst the rolling hills of the Taconic Range in northwest Connecticut, the picturesque views from the summit are something one would expect to find in a vintage Norman Rockwell painting. On a clear day hikers can see across four different states and gaze at the beautiful landscape of the nearby Berkshires.
Six-Pack Route Details: Bear Mountain Trail
Distance: 6 miles; Vertical +/- 1,676 ft.
MOUNT CHOCORUA – Elevation 3,478′ (1060m)
The Appalachian Mountain Club claims that New Hampshire's Mount Chocorua is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. It's bare, rocky peak gives you open views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and forests.
Six-Pack Route Details: Mount Chocorua via Hammond & Liberty Trails
Distance: 7.5 miles; Vertical +/- 2,837 ft.
WELCH-DICKEY LOOP – Elevation 2,733′ (833m)
While Welch Mountain and the taller Dickey Mountain are technically two peaks, most people hike them via a loop, and we are counting them as one for the challenge. Known for beautiful wildflowers in season.
Six-Pack Route Details: Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
Distance: 4.3 miles; Vertical +/- 1,774 ft.
OLD SPECK MOUNTAIN – Elevation 4,144′ (1263m)
“Old Speckle” Mountain is the fourth highest in the state of Maine, and the highest in the Mahoosuc Range near the New Hampshire border. There is a small observation tower on the summit to give you even better views from the Presidentials to the south and the forested peaks of northwestern Maine.
Six-Pack Route Details: Old Speck Mountain via Appalachian Trail
Distance: 6.7 miles; Vertical +/- 2,739 ft.
KATAHDIN – Elevation 5,267′ (1,605 m)
Katahdin is a steep, tall mountain formed from a granite intrusion weathered to the surface. Katahdin was well known to Native Americans in the region centuries ago, and to Europeans at least since 1689. It also marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Six-Pack Route Details: Katahdin Loop Trail
Distance: 8.9 miles; Vertical +/- 3,897 ft.
Latest New England Challenge Hike Logs
Mount Monadnock
Happy New Year Mt. Monadnock
Some small snow patches along the way but micro spikes were not needed. Dublin trail is sneaky steep, but a rewarding easy approach to the
January 1, 2023
No Comments
Camel's Hump
Last hike of 2022
Snow covered slushy and muddy trail. Absolutely perfect 40ish degree weather for last hike of the year. Burrows trail to summit Camels Hump. Trail was
December 31, 2022
No Comments
Mount Lincoln
December 10, 2022
No Comments
Mount Greylock
Mighty Mt Greylock
Beautiful day for a non-technical hike. Snow on upper trail making Microspikes invaluable. The War monument was closed as was the lodge. Enjoyed the loop
November 23, 2022
No Comments
