Route Description
White Dot Trail
2 miles
1800 elevation gain
This is one of top climbed trails in the the United States . Often overrun with hundreds if not thousands of hikers during the day, this hike is not for those wanting solitude (Times Square would be a better place). Still this trail is fun to hike, with a steady steep climb and some nice scrambles up the trail. With the summit being exposed on top, the mountain gives a feeling similiar to those thousands of feet higher.
The trail start out as a moderate rise up Mt. Monandock through the lower forest. At roughly 0.75 miles in runs into the Cascade Link which will link it to the White Cross Trail. This where the fun climb begins. The steepens rapidly and begins to go through a number of scrambles in this sections. This section would be a lot easier except that there are usually a large amount of novice and out of shape hikers that tend to hold up others. The trail goes through a number of borderline class two scrambles until it reaches a false summit near treeline. The trail grade then becomes more gradual with a series of the ups and down. The White Cross Trail with merge with the White Dot on the left. The trail soon reaches the exposed summit cone. This last class 2 section climb up a rocky exposed slanted ridge to the summit of Mt. Monadnock to the ever popular crowded summit of Mt. Monadnock.
Approach
VIA THE MONADNOCK STATE PARK TRAILHEAD: Head west from the town of Jaffery. Two miles on your right you will see a sign pointing to Monadnock State Park. Head up two miles to the to toll gate ($3.00 per person).
Essential Gear
In summer, essential hiking gear and a tolerance of people. In winter crampons and trekking poles are required for this trip.
Miscellaneous Info
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