Mount Monadnock - Our Everest !!

Mount Monadnock - The Climb! A mere 20 or so miles from Pepperell, Massachusetts is Mount Monadnock, a prominent New England mountain peak south of the White Mountains. According to some sources it is the most visited mountain in the US. At an altitude of approximately 3,100 feet it is a 2 hour climb going up any of several well marked trails (white paint in the form of a dot, dash or arrow) such as the “White Dot Trail” being the most direct ascent, but the steepest climb. We left early at 9:00AM and found plenty of parking at the NH State Park with toilet facilities and a map of the mountain. We were greeted by a very polite park ranger who offered free advice on the mountain. The access fee was $4.00 dollars per adult. On the return about 4 1/2 hours later the parking lot was full. No need for climbing gear (ropes etc) just good walking shoes an appropriate clothing depending on the time of year. Also bring some bottled water an a small lunch to prevent dehydration and caloric depletion. There are no concession stands. The climb starts off easy through thick woods then gets interesting as the rock formations appear requiring careful, and slower, footing. The trail we took went by the “Mount Rosa” weathervane en route to the summit. At about 2000 feet the trees are gone and it is just rock. The view from this point up is stunning! The peak has two USGS brass seals embedded in the rock. That day we shared the top with dozens of students on a day trip. There is plenty of room to enjoy the view and take pictures. The mountain has an interesting history with a former hotel for the well to do (Half Way House Hotel ~1858) and visits by well known authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. This is a good 4 plus hour moderate workout that is great for a family day trip.  Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Monadnock