 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Home | Trail Descriptions | Articles | Links | Seasonal Tips | Forum |
A major ice storm in December 2008 caused severe damage to park trails and facilities and resulted in closure of the park - violators may be ticketed and towed. Park officials plan to clear the White Dot Trail first then others as time allows. See the park website for more information.
The Red Spot Trail is one of the secondary trails up Monadnock, you will see probably more hikers on the other trails that are part of the route than on the Red Spot itself. The beginning of the trail is usually reached by hiking in the woods from Park headquarters via the White Dot Trail and Cascade Link, or from Gilson Pond via the Birchtoft Trail and a tiny segment of the Cascade Link. The steeper ledges on the Red Spot are somewhat similar to the White Dot or White Cross Trails, and the final ascent to the summit is via the Pumpelly Trail.
The park does not recommend descending the Red Spot Trail. If you go up that way, you can decide whether to return a different route such as White Cross Trail.
Distance: From Cascade Link to Pumpelly Trail, about 1.0 miles one-way
From Park Headquarters to summit, about 2.6 miles one-way
Elevation gain: From Cascade Link to Pumpelly Trail, about 900 feet on the ascent, minor on descent
From Park Headquarters to summit, about 1900 feet on the ascent, minor on descent
Maps: Free park trail map with payment of park fee
USGS Monadnock Mtn 1:25,000 (there is also a Monadnock Mtn 1:24,000 which does not show this area)
AMC Monadnock Mtn
Location: Monadnock Region
NH 2003-2004 map P-4
DeLorme NHA&G 20-F2 - Jaffrey
The trail is located on the E side of Monadnock, which is E of Keene
Lower End: Cascade Link about .5 miles from White Dot Trail, elevation about 2100 feet
Upper End: Pumpelly Trail about .4 miles below summit of Monadnock, elevation about 3000 feet
Owner: state and others
Maintainer: Monadnock State Park, 603-532-8862
Special regulations: State park, no pets and no fires or camping along trails
The Red Spot Trail begins on the Cascade Link about .5 miles from the White Dot Trail and 100 feet uphill from the Birchtoft Trail. After some wandering in the woods passing several wet areas, the trail ascends over slabs and rock steps, becoming steeper after the Old Ski Path leaves L about halfway up. The Red Spot Trail ascends ledges and then becomes less steep again, passing the Smith Connecting Trail on the L before a final ascent to end at a large cairn on a knoll at the Pumpelly Trail. Turn L to reach the summit in .4 miles.
NA
Map Notes: The USGS 7.5' map does not label the Red Spot Trail or correctly show the connecting trails. Use the park map.
Top of Red Spot Trail
| Start a discussion about this page | e-mail Content Manager |