| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Monadnock (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
White Dot Trail, Cascade Link, Spellman Trail, Pumpelly Trail, Red Spot Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, October 9, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We had made reservations in advance at Monadnock State Park HQ, but there were still about 1/3 - 1/2 of the spaces available. I doubt this would have been true on Saturday. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings; there were a couple minor areas of mud and standing water that were easily avoidable by rock hopping. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails well-maintained and well-marked; no blowdowns or other areas of concern. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs permitted within Monadnock State Park. |
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 | Bugs: |
None! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This was a highly rewarding and challenging semi-loop, taking the White Dot Trail to the Cascade Link, before ascending the Spellman Trail to the Pumpelly ridgeline. The rocks were dry and grippy, and the abundant scrambling on Spellman was lots of fun for me and my 9-year-old. It was cool and rather gusty once out on the open rocks, and we decided to directly descend the Red Spot Trail rather than taking on the final 0.4 miles to the summit cone. Views were spectacular from the Spellman ledges, along the ridgeline when hiking the Pumpelly Trail (between Spellman and Red Spot), and from several locations on the Red Spot Trail as well. Foliage was probably 50-75% to peak- plenty to enliven the forest both within and when looking down from 1,500' above. Full details on Unnecessary Climb! |
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 | Name: |
Jason |
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 | E-Mail: |
kurlando7@hotmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-11 |
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 | Link: |
 https://unnecessaryclimb.wordpress.com/mt-monadnock-via-spellman-trail/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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