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Among the most popular routes on the most-climbed mountain in NH, these trails are well used and well cared for.
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.
Distance: About 1.9-2.2 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 1800 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 SE side of Monadnock, which is E of Keene
Trailhead: Monadnock State Park HQ, Poole Memorial Road, elevation about 1370 feet
State park service fee collected daily mid-April to Thanksgiving, only weekends and holidays in the off-season
N 42.845, -72.088 W (WGS84)
Take exit 5 off I-89 and follow US Route 202/NH Route 9 about 14.3 miles to split, exit onto US Route 202. After another 25.8 miles to Jaffrey, turn R (W) on NH Route 124 and follow it 2.2 miles to Dublin Road. Turn R and go 1.2 miles to Poole Road, turn L and continue .8 miles to parking lot or as directed by ranger in tollbooth. This route is well marked with State Park signs.
Far End: Summit of Monadnock Mtn, elevation about 3165 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
From the main parking lot, take the path R of the trading post, cross another parking lot, and go L of the Visitor Center which contains exhibits including a model of the mountain. There is a scale on the porch where you can weigh your pack. The trail here is a wide woods road, and after a brief dip it begins a steady ascent. After half a mile the Spruce Link forks L and the combined White Dot/White Cross Trail continues R another .2 mi. to a major trail junction.
At the junction, the Cascade Link forks R, connecting with several alternate longer routes to the summit. Go uphill to the L a few more steps and the White Cross Trail forks L. Most hikers choose the more direct route up the White Dot to the R, which becomes noticeably steeper with stone steps and rock slabs to ascend. When you reach the junction with the Old Ski Path, you are about 2/3 of the way to the summit. Climb another rock band to a flattish ledge area where the inconspicuous Smith Connecting Trail crosses, and continue W across the flattish area to the upper junction with the White Cross.
From here, cross a gully with trees and begin the final .3 mi. ascent of the rock cone. This is obviously not a good place to be in a thunderstorm or if the rock is slippery. The summit itself has a survey marker, the foundation of a former fire lookout, and plenty of bare rock to enjoy your lunch.
On the descent, remember there are trails in several directions and the White Dot/White Cross is the one that drops off steeply SE and is marked with white dots.
Many hikers choose to descend the White Cross Trail from the upper junction as it is reputed to be less steep: however as it is only .2 mi longer it isn't exactly flat! Seeps in some rocks may freeze over and cause icy spots, this may be less of a problem in winter when everything is potentially slippery than in spring or fall when you aren't being as careful. Remember that 95% of hiking accidents occur on the way down and watch your step whichever way you choose.
Going down the White Cross, the descent begins immediately and you may cross the Smith Connecting Trail without noticing unless you're watching for it. Once again, there is a mixture of ledges and woods walking. About .2 mi. before Falcon Spring you reach the upper junction with Spruce Link. Probably most hikers will choose to go downhill on the Spruce Link rather than slightly uphill on White Cross. But there is no free lunch - if you pick Spruce Link you later have a similar brief upgrade before you rejoin the White Dot. Either route ends up following the wide woods road back to the parking lot.
Parking lot plowed in winter. Snowshoes may be necessary to explore minor trails or after heavy snowstorms. Crampons or creepers desirable in slippery conditions - ask a ranger.
Map Notes: The USGS 7.5' map does not label the White Cross and Spruce Link or correctly show the connecting trails. Use the park map.
Park trail map (online version)
White Dot Trail in woods
White Dot Trail on ledges
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