Hiking Trails - Mt. Monadnock & the Monadnock Region

CROTCHED MOUNTAIN - GREENFIELD/FRANCESTOWN

There are three trails to the summit of this 2,055' mountain. Bennington Trail starts 3 miles north of Greenfield, on Rt. 31 at the sign marked "Crotched Mt. Top-Bennington Trail". Greenfield Trail starts beyond the entrance to Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center buildings, off of Verney Drive. Francestown Trail starts at the base of Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride area.

MCH FITNESS TRAIL - PETERBOROUGH

Located on the grounds of Monadnock Community Hospital, this one and one half mile trail contains 20 exercise stations, with varying degrees of difficulty. Parts of the trail are wheelchair accessible.

METACOMET TRAIL

This is the northern most 14 miles (beginning in Fitzwilliam) of a hiking trail that starts in Connecticut and ends at the Marlboro Trail at the base of Mt. Monadnock. It was designed as a thru-trail for backpackers, but lends itself well for day hikers as it crosses many roads. The trail is well marked by white rectangles.

MOUNT MONADNOCK - JAFFREY

This is considered to be the most climbed mountain in the world with 40 miles of trails to its 3,165' summit. Views of all 6 New England states and New York. The round trip hike from the park area takes approximately 3 1/2 hours. Open year round. Day use fee, $3.00. Park office 532-8862.

MONADNOCK/SUNAPEE GREENWAY

This trail is a 49 mile footpath connecting Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Sunapee. Marked with white blazes, the majority of the trail crosses privately owned land. Respect and caution should be shown along the way.

OLD RAILROAD TRAIL - PETERBOROUGH AND HANCOCK

Follows the old railroad bed parallel to the Contoocook River 2 1/2 miles north to Forest Road in Hancock. Trail sign just beyond the Peterborough landfill marks a turnout parking area and the beginning of the trail.

SARGENT CENTER / BOSTON UNIVERSITY - PETERBOROUGH

Hike/x-c ski 22 miles of trails on the lovely grounds of this Boston University-owned conference/outdoor education facility. Visitors must check in at the main office. Do not disturb classes in session and leave pets home, please. 603-525-3311.

WAPACK TRAIL - ASHBURNHAM, MA - GREENFIELD

The Wapack is a 21 mile ridge line trail that offers spectacular views from its southern trailhead at the base of Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, Mass. to the northern slope of North Pack Monadnock in Greenfield, NH. It is maintained by the Friends of the Wapack (PO Box 115, West Peterborough, NH 03468), and is marked by yellow triangles. This trail lends itself well to day hikes as it crosses several roads along the way. For more information visit www.wapack.org.

WHEELER TRAIL - PETERBOROUGH

Short streamside trail on town conservation land that combines forest and open field. Parking area and trail sign located on Rt. 101 1/3 mile downhill from the Rt. 123 turnoff for Sharon.

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