Winter Hiking Trips

Winter hiking has always been a passion for us at Eastern Mountain Sports. Snowshoeing and hiking is a fantastic low impact way to get some exercise, explore, and get outdoors. When the days grow shorter and the trails pack up with ice and snow, we don our winter trekking gear and go out and explore the winter wonderland. Winter hiking requires a few layers of insulation and the use of snowshoes or micro spikes, and trekking poles. Our Winter Hiking series helps people explore their local trails during the chilly months, and opens the doors to many new winter opportunities. When the snow is deep we strap on our snowshoes and make fluffy tracks through the white pristine snow. When the ice is more prevalent, we use micro spikes to traverse the winter landscape with confidence. Either way, your experienced guides will outfit you with the right equipment in order to enhance your winter experience. Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors on one of our fantastic winter hiking trips!
Select a Trip
Boston Area Blue Hills (Milton) deCordova Sculpture Park & Meseum (Lincoln) Mt. Wachusett (Princeton) Southern New Hampshire Mt Monadnock (Jaffrey) White Mountains Mount Washington Observatory Overnight (two days/ one night) Mt. Washington Ascent (one day)
Blue Hills

Blue Hills Reservation is a popular outdoor recreation area visited by thousands of people each year. But as the days grow shorter and the winter months descend, this busy urban hiking destination becomes a quiet winter wonderland perfect for winter trekking opportunities. Located only minutes from the bustle of Boston, Blue Hills stretches over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph providing a network of 125 miles worth of renowned hiking trails. This location provides fantastic views of the surrounding towns from its 22 hills and exposed rocky ridgelines. Many historic references and locations dot its countryside including its numerous Native American archaeological sites and remnants of early European Settlers. Hikers are rewarded with fantastic views of Boston from the viewing platform atop of Eliot Tower to the north and Buck Hill to the south. Above it all there is the Blue Hill Weather Observatory recording the longest continuous weather record since it was built in 1885. This comprehensive trail system in this Reserve offer many options depending upon conditions and desires. We start with the gentile rolling hills around Houghton’s Pond and add challenge and adventure from there.
All of our winter hikes begin at Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot. Gentile hikes start with circumnavigating Houghton’s Pond with a trip up the red dot trail to Breeze Hill. More adventurous treks can include hikes on the Skyline Trail West to Buck Hill or East to Hancock Hill. Both rolling hills provide challenging winter conditions with stunning views of the winter urban landscape. Our experienced guides will outfit you with Snowshoes and Trekking Poles to experience the float and traction of this preferred method of winter travel. If the trails crust up with ice we use Micro Spikes to provide traction in this slippery environment. Either way, you will have a blast getting outdoors and exploring the many virtues of Blue Hills. Come see why this is one of our favorite trips and experience our passion for winter hiking.
|
Length |
Cost (pp) |
Meeting Location |
Dates |
Winter Hikes |
3 hours |
$45 |
Houghton’s Pond |
click for dates |
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot
Closest physical location to Map or Google is the Park Headquarters that is located a quarter mile North East of the Houghton’s Pond Lot at 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186.
Directions Take Route 93 to Exit 3, Houghton’s Pond. Turn right at the stop sign onto Hillside Street. Houghton’s Pond is located approximately 1/4
miles on the right. It is a large parking lot easily seen from the road. Meet in lot closest to the road (Hillside Street) South West side of the lot.
By public transportation: Take the MBTA Red Line (Ashmont Line) to Ashmont Station. Connect with Mattapan High Speed Line to Mattapan Square. Take the Mattapan to Canton Center bus route #716 (JBL Busline 781-843-4505). Note: Bus runs Monday through Friday every hour, Saturday every 2 hours until 12 p.m. only, No service on Sundays or holidays. DCR Website for Blue Hills
Groups meet promptly at 10:00am at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot. When you arrive you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the Red Dot trail to Eliot Circle. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the hike. Approximate overall hiking time is 3 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the parking lot of the Houghton’s Pond parking lot and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.
Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes, headlamps and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.
Pack Monadnock
Pack Monadnock has always been an Eastern Mountain Sports Favorite for low impact winter hikes. True to our roots, this 2,290 foot summit has long been an inspiration for our vision of Winter Sports and our Passion for Outdoor Adventures.
Located at Miller State Park, Pack Monadnock offers a big mountain feel with little mountain efforts. Its trail network winds its way to a wooded peak with a fire/cell tower and views of the surrounding southern New Hampshire Mountains. The Majestic Monadnock Mountain can be seen to the west 12 miles away with its prominent rocky summit and surrounding hillsides. The summit auto road is closed during the winter months and affords hikes an easier way up or down than the surrounding wooded trails. The local Native Americans names it “Pack” to denote its “little” size, buts its views to the north including Mount Washington or its southern skyline including the city of Boston are grand. It once had a hotel at the peak near the fire tower, buts its history revolves mostly around the locals using this friendly peak for outings and recreation.
Most of the time we ascend the peak on the Wompac trail 1.4 miles to the summit through a wooded granite winding trail and descend on the Marion Davis Trail or the Summit Road. These three options are perfect for snowpack or hard ice trail conditions and are a perfect warm up for many of our longer hikes including its big brother to the West. We will use snowshoes or micro spikes to provide float and traction for this frozen terrain. Come explore winter hiking with our experienced guides and learn how we outfit and layer in order to have fun outside during the winter months!
Visitors are expected to pay the $4 per person admission fee by feeding the Iron Ranger in the parking lot off of Route 101. So please plan accordingly and bring 4 one dollar bills to help support all the hard work New Hampshire State Park Systems do.
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl
Directions VIA MARION DAVIS AND WAPACK TRAILHEAD (TOLL): From Route 101, travel to the top of the ridge where a gap lies between Temple Mtn. and Pack Monadnock Mountain. From the east you will pass Temple Mtn. Ski Area just before the sign for Miller State Park. The sign for Miller State Park will be on you north hand sign (from Peterborough it will be on you left, and from Milford or points east it will be on your right). Pull into Miller State Park (toll) and pull into the lower parking area.
Saratoga Spa State Park Winter Hike
When the days grow shorter and the winter months turn Saratoga Spa State Park into a fluffy white wonderland, winter sports enthusiasts come to the park to hike, ski and explore this famous landmarks. Winter hiking with snowshoes and micro spikes has long been a way for our guides at Eastern Mountain Sports to share our passion with our customers so that they can get outside and enjoy all the months of the year! Come explore Saratoga State Park with its many miles of open trails and appreciate its beauty from a whole new perspective. Our experienced guides will outfit you with the latest winter gear that provide traction and float on this frozen terrain. We will hike the surrounding golf courses, explore the historic buildings and visit the springs throughout the park. We will cover all the tricks and practices our winter guides use to stay warm and enjoy winter sports.
Saratoga Spa State Park, distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, is noted for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities. The Park has two beautiful golf courses that provide a perfect backdrop for winter hiking. There is a 12 mile cross country ski track and many options for hikers to wind around the parks many features.
Our winter hikes will begin at the warming hut parking lot alongside the Famous Avenue of the Pines. Heading counter clockwise around the North Loop of the Golf Course gives us access to the southern fairways along the Tree Nursery. The South Loop gives us 1.7 miles of rolling trails crossing over into the Geyser Loop. If time allots we will explore the Peerless loop and head back through the buildings surrounding the springs. Come see why people rave about this parks winter opportunities. Our guides at Eastern Mountain Sports look forward to sharing their passion for winter sports through these outdoor experiences. Let’s get out there, have some fun and make some fresh tracks in the snow!
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl
Directions From downtown Saratoga Springs head south on Broadway, which turns into Rte 9. Make a right into the main entrance. The warming hut parking area is the first left. Continue on Avenue of the Pines to access SPAC and other areas.
Bear Brook
Winter Hiking in Southern New Hampshire has long been a go to favorite for our guides at Eastern Mountain Sports to get outside and have some frozen fun! Our roots grow deep in this location and these Winter Trails have inspired us to outfit hikers with the gear we know and love. New Hampshire residents have been working and playing in Bear Brook State Park for many years. The parks logging history has evolved into a well known Multi Use Recreational Area that caters to winter recreation. Winter hiking on its extensive trails is a great way to explore this park and get outside to enjoy some winter exercise.
Bear Brook is the largest developed State Park in New Hampshire and covers over 10,000 acres in Southern New Hampshire. In the 1800’s this original town of Allenstown was completely logged to supply the mills in Suncook. Over one fourth of the residents of New Hampshire lived and worked within a 15 mile radius of this area up until the 1930’s when The Civilian Conservation Corps started to build structures for the official parks opening in 1935.
Our winter hiking experience at Bear Brook will include both work and fun as we wind through its frozen trails with our snowshoes or micro spikes. Our experienced guides will cover topics that will help you stay warm and keep your traction. We will start with the trails surrounding the Podunk Road Trail Head and explore the Bear Brook Trail heading west to Hemlock Marsh or east to Smith Pond. We will explore winding single-track trails with colorful names such as Bobcat Trail, Broken Bolder and Pine Pitch. These wooded trails offer the perfect combination of rolling hills and winding direction for the winter hiker to enjoy. Come experience this winter fun at Bear Brook and see how proper outfitting helps us make first tracks in the winter fluff.
Visitors are expected to pay the $4 per person admission fee by feeding the Iron Ranger in the parking lot off of Route 101. So please plan accordingly and bring 4 one dollar bills to help support all the hard work New Hampshire State Park Systems do.
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl
Directions
Bear Brook State Park – Podunk Road Trail-head
Parking lot is up Podunk Rd. Allentown on the right.
From I-93:
Exit 9N onto Route 3/28 North and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park.
From I-95:
Route 4 West to Route 28 South and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park.
Chase Farm Park Evening Winter Hike
Come and enjoy the trails at Chase Farm Park on an evening snowshoe hike with one of our knowledgeable Guides at Eastern Mountain Sports. This is an area that is rich in history and culture dating back to the early 1800’s. It is now the site of the oldest working farm in Lincoln, RI and abuts the historic Hearthside House. Explore the open fields of Chase Farm and wooded trails of Butterfly Gardens. Our gentile winter hikes will circumnavigate Cow pond and explore the hills of Echo Point. This is a fantastic place to learn the art of winter hiking or just get out for a few after a long day at work. This area is appropriate for all abilities and offers gentile rolling hills to explore the virtues of winter traction. Our guides will provide headlamps, snowshoes, microspikes, and poles to provide float and traction to this frozen environment. Simply dress warm, dawn your winter hat and gloves bring your full laced winter boots or hiking boots and our guides will help you experience the rest. Get outside and enjoy winter with one of our experienced Eastern Mountain Sports Guides. You will be glad you did it!
|
Length |
Cost (pp) |
Meeting Location |
Dates |
Evening Hike |
2.5 hours |
$35 |
Chase Farm Parking Lot |
click for dates |
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl Chase Farm Parking Lot- Behind Hannaway Blacksmith
Closest Physical Address 677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
Directions
From 95 or 295
Take Route Route 146 toward Lincoln, RI
Travel on Rt. 146 into Lincoln
Travel North Rt 123 Lincoln (Breakneck Hill Road) down the hill
Travel 1 mile down Breakneck Hill Road, past The Lodge Restaurant. Just as Breakneck Hill Road levels off, at the intersection of Great Road, there will be a farm with twin silos on your left.
Immediately after the silos is Hearthside. No parking is allowed in the small lot in front of the silos. Do not park at Hearthside. Park in the lot behind Chase Farm Park/Hannaway Blacksmith Shop.
Groups meet promptly at 6:00pm at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot. When you arrive you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the Red Dot trail to Eliot Circle. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the hike. Approximate overall hiking time is 2.5 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the parking lot of the Houghton’s Pond parking lot and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.
Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes, headlamps and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.
Blackstone River Evening Winter Hike
The Blackstone River and Goat Hill has long been a favorite winter hiking destination in Uxbridge, MA because it offers so much diversity, history and natural beauty. The hiking trails along the canal, river and locks offer easy trekking with miles of scenic riverside views. Turning north toward Goat Hill offers an extensive network of twisting trails that challenge hikers with deep snow and slippery conditions. Often described as the hardest working river in American History with its emerging history around the industrial revolution and the canal locks of the early 1800’s – The Blackstone has long been a destination for education and recreation. Its rich cultural background and its many historical landmarks make this a fantastic place to explore. This is a fantastic place to learn the art of winter hiking or just get out for a few after a long day at work. This area is appropriate for all abilities and offers gentile rolling hills to explore the virtues of winter traction. Our guides will provide headlamps, snowshoes, microspikes, and poles to provide float and traction to this frozen environment. Simply dress warm, dawn your winter hat and gloves bring your full laced winter boots or hiking boots and our guides will help you experience the rest. Get outside and enjoy winter with one of our experienced Eastern Mountain Sports Guides. You will be glad you did it!
|
Length |
Cost (pp) |
Meeting Location |
Dates |
Evening Hike |
2.5 hours |
$35 |
Tri- River Family Health Center |
click for dates |
*Headlamps provided by
Petzl Park/Meet at: Tri- River Family Health Center
Closest Physical Address 281 Hartford Ave E, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Directions
Park/Meet at: Tri- River Family Health Center
281 Hartford Ave E, Uxbridge, MA 01569
Park closest to Hartford Ave and Blackstone River Canal
Directions:
From the East/West/Boston/Southeast:
Take Mass Pike (Rte. I-90) to exit #10A in Millbury, Rte 146 South.
Take Rte 146 S & follow for 12 miles to exit # 3, Route 16.
Turn left onto Rte 16 East and follow for 2 miles to the traffic lights.
Turn left onto Route 122 North and follow for 1-1/4 mile and then turn right at traffic light onto Hartford Ave.
In 1 mile, turn right onto Oak Street at the UMass Tri-River Family Health Center.
Meet in Tri River Medical Center Lot closest to Hartford Ave
From Northeast/Worcester:
Take Rte 495 to Rte 290 West to exit #12, Rte 146 South.
Follow Rte 146S to exit # 3, Route 16.
Turn left onto Rte 16 East and follow for 2 miles to the traffic lights.
Turn left onto Route 122 North and follow for 1-1/4 mile.
Then turn right at traffic light onto Hartford Ave.
In 1 mile, turn right on Oak Street at the UMass Tri-River Family Health Center.
Meet in Tri River Medical Center Lot closest to Hartford Ave
Groups meet promptly at 6:00pm at the Tri- River Family Health Center parking lot. When you arrive you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the Red Dot trail to Eliot Circle. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the hike. Approximate overall hiking time is 2.5 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the parking lot of the Houghton’s Pond parking lot and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.
Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes, headlamps and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.
deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum Snowshoe Tours
For the past few years we have teamed up with the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum to offer guided snowshoe tours. For the past few years we have teamed up with the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum to offer guided snowshoe tours. The park is located 20 miles from Boston, 15 miles from Cambridge, and is easily accessible from several major highways. These tours are great for ages 8 to adult and a fun family activity. Trips appeal to anyone who wants to enjoy nature and art in winter. If you enjoy walking, then you can snowshoe! If you have never been snowshoeing, you are in for a treat. It allows you to enjoy nature and the beauty of deCordova in spectacular form. Cost includes instruction, a tour, and your admission to the Sculpture Park and Museum. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and are led by trained deCordova Museum tour guides and EMS guides.
To learn more about these tours or to book an event, Please contact deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum for dates, times and to book a tour. Click here for Museum website http://www.decordova.org
*all reservations and payments are taken through deCordova Museum.
Mt. Wachusett

Mt Wachusett is an excellent place to explore winter hiking! First time hikers rave about the views and the quality and quantity of trails. Trails surrounding this 2,006 ft summit hold their winter conditions very well, and provide hikers with deep snow and ice pack early and late into this season. The DCR Visitor Center provides a warm and informative meeting place to start as well as an excellent place to sit by the fire and enjoy lunch after the hike. The 3,000 acre State Reservation contains a wealth of natural resources such as alpine meadows, old growth forests, local wildlife and great views from its newly built viewing platform at the summit. From the summit you can take in majestic views of Mt. Monadnock to the north, Berkshires to the west, and views of the Boston skyline on the east. We start by outfitting you with snowshoes or micro spikes depending upon conditions. After a brief “how to” chat and discussion about layering for warmth we begin to ascend the mountain on Pine Hill Trail via Bicentennial Trail. We will soon be rewarded with views to our North and discover how these winter trekking tools really help with traction and stability. Snowshoeing in a few inches of powder is a blast and looking back to track your progress with each snowshoe print is a treat. At the summit we enjoy the views while hydrating and snacking. On the way down we are rewarded with Old Growth Forests, Alpine Meadows and the prints of winter wildlife. At the end of the hike you can warm yourself in the visitor center and rejoice in the great winter hiking opportunities Mt. Wachusetts has to offer. Come see why this is one of our favorite trips and experience our passion for winter hiking.
Wachusett Mountain Visitor Center (not the ski area parking location) 345 Mountain Road Princeton, Ma 01514 DCR Website for Mt. WachusettPrintable trial mapFrom the East/Northeast/Southeast: Take I-495 to exit 29, Rt. 2 west. Take Rt. 2 west to exit 25, Rt. 140 south. At the top of the exit ramp take a right onto Rt. 140 south. Drive 2.1 miles on Rt. 140 south and take a right onto Mile Hill Rd. Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, take left fork onto Mountain Rd. Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd. Park entrance is on right. Or: Take 1-90 (MA PIKE) west to exit 10, I-290 north. Drive 7.3 miles on I-290 north to exit 19, I-190 north. Drive 9 miles on I-190 north to exit 5, Rt. 140 north. Drive 9.3 miles on Rt. 140 north and take a left onto Mile Hill Rd. Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd. Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd. Park entrance is on right. From the West/Northwest: Take I-91 to Exit 27, Rt. 2 east. Drive 31 miles on Rt. 2 east to exit 25, Rt. 140 south. Take Rt. 2 east to exit 25, Rt. 140 south. At the top of the exit ramp take a left onto Rt. 140 south. Drive 2.1 miles on Rt. 140 south and take a right onto Mile Hill Rd. Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd. Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd. Park entrance is on right. From the Southwest: Take I-90 (MA PIKE) east to Exit 10, I-290 north. Drive 7.3 miles on I-290 north to exit 19, I-190 north. Drive 9 miles on I-190 north to exit 5, Rt. 140 north. Drive 9.3 miles on Rt. 140 north and take a left onto Mile Hill Rd. Drive 0.5 mile on Mile Hill Rd to a split in the road, bear left at fork onto Mountain Rd. Drive 1.25 miles on Mountain Rd. Park entrance is on right.
Groups meet promptly at 10:00am at the DCR Visitor Center parking lot at 345 Mountain Road, Princeton, Ma 01514. In the morning you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the Pine Hill Trail via Bicentennial Trail. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the climb. Approximate overall hiking time is 3.5 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the visitor center and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.
Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All Participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.
Mt. Monadnock

This majestic 3,165 foot mountain located in Southern New Hampshire is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands and provides the best mountain views south of the White Mountains. This highly sought after hiking destination is a fantastic winter trekking spot that provides many options for winter hiking enthusiasts. . The trails surrounding its summit retain their winter conditions early and late into the season providing excellent snowshoeing and winter trail hiking. With views as far north as the Whites and south as Wachusetts Mountain, its majestic platform provides the perfect peak for winter explorers looking for that big mountain feel. Designated as a National Landmark with its Native American and Early Settlers History, its claim to fame is most often tied to the well known writings of Emerson and Thoreau. Much of the mountains upper third are exposed rock, perfect for winter hiking and big mountain views. It also offers many miles of trails of varying levels of difficulty so there is something here for everyone. Often touted as the second most climbed peak in the world, visitors can see why people are drawn to its summit and how its sights, sounds and smells have permeated our American Culture. This hike provides a more challenging approach and requires a bit more layers and equipment to remain warm and comfortable throughout the day. Adventurous days could include visiting its historic Half Way House, Monte Rosa or Bald Rock. Either way, there are challenges, adventure and experiences for all to enjoy. Come explore the adventure Grand Monadnock has to offer on one of our winter trekking opportunities. We start by outfitting you with snowshoes or micro spikes depending upon conditions. After a brief “how to” chat and discussion about layering for warmth we begin to ascend the mountain by the infamous white dot/white cross trail. We will soon be rewarded with views to our South and discover how these winter trekking tools really help with traction and stability. Snowshoeing in a few inches of powder is a blast and looking back to track your progress with each snowshoe print is a treat. Using Micro Spikes and trekking poles inspires confidence and opens up many slippery hiking opportunities. Either way, we experience the virtues of winter trekking and see how they can be used throughout the winter months. At the Peak we enjoy majestic views while hydrating and snacking on this exposed ridge. On the way down we are rewarded with the sights and sounds of nature in this pristine frozen state. Come see why this is one of our favorite full day trips and experience our passion for winter hiking.
Monadnock State Park Visitor Center 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452 Park Phone 603-532-8862 Directions 75 Miles from Boston 93 North to 95 (RT. 128) South to exit 32a-32b for US 3 N/Middlesex Turnpike toward Lowell/Burlington Take exit 32a to 3 north Lowell/Nashua, then take exit 33 toward Westford, merge onto MA-40 W/Gronton Rd. Slight Right onto Main Street, and then a slight right onto Ma-119. Right onto Canal Street and continue onto Mason Road, Greenville Road and Barrett Hill Road Continue onto NH 124 W/Old Turnpike Road, turn right onto Dublin road and Left onto Poole Road. Manadnock Website
Groups meet promptly at 10:00am at the Monadnock State Park Visitor Center 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452. There is a $5 per person fee that may be collected at the gate or the Visitors Center. When you arrive you will meet your guide in the parking lot or at the visitor’s center, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the White Dot/White Cross trail to the Summit. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the hike. Approximate overall hiking time is 5 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the parking lot of the Visitors Center and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.
Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All Participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks, lunch and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.