Winter Hiking in NH

I took advantage yesterday of a break in the subzero weather to do some winter hiking in New Hampshire.  It was a gorgeous, cloudless, crisp day and a great way to welcome in the new year. Views for days.

Mount Monadnock is located in the SW corner of the state and is pretty convenient to get to from our winter office in Hooksett.  Monadnock is one of the most popular hikes in the country and, even in the winter, there were plenty of people in various stages of the hike.

False summit.

Although the mountain is not massive - its peak is only 3,166 feet - it is a fun and exerting hike with 360 degree views that stretch north into NH and VT and south to Boston.  The hike starts with a long walk from the parking lot to the trailhead and then gets steep, climbing up until you get to a point where you think you are done.  A few steps more and you realize that you are not even close!  The last third of the hike is exposed on the rocks and brings you to a craggy peak.

Snowy peak.

All in all a fun Sunday with perfect hiking conditions.  Interested in tackling this peak?  Info here: Monadnock State Park