Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New England, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Basalt ridge deciduous (100–700 m)
- Best season
- April – November
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Photography
Key takeaways
- Biome: Basalt ridge deciduous (100–700 m)
- Best season: April – November
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
Topic summary
A 215-mile connector across MA and CT ridges — the New England National Scenic Trail.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: April – November
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Basalt ridge deciduous (100–700 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett trip tools
How to get there
Use Jaffrey, New Hampshire, as the geographic starting point for planning a Mount Monadnock visit. The mountain lies 38 miles southwest of Concord and 62 miles northwest of Boston; these are location distances, not stated driving distances. Confirm the specific trailhead and road approach before departure.
- Jaffrey, New Hampshire
The town containing Mount Monadnock provides a geographic anchor for trip planning. Select and verify a specific trailhead separately; the town name does not identify a parking area or trail entrance.
- Mount Monadnock
The mountain has numerous hiking trails, including the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Treat it as the hiking objective, not a precise road-access location, and confirm the approach for the chosen route.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Photography
Vantage points and the hours worth setting an alarm for.
Animals around Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Monadnock–Metacomet–MattabesettAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
Planning to fish Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett, the United States? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in the United States are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett?
- A the United States fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current the United States fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for the United States yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
Thinking about hunting Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett, the United States? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in the United States are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett?
- Confirm the land around Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in the United States?
- A the United States hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for the United States yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Mount Monadnock: the mountain focus
For a trip under the Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett name, Mount Monadnock is a clear mountain objective to build around. Also called Grand Monadnock, it stands in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, and is the highest point in Cheshire County. Its 3,165-foot summit rises about 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape and stands nearly 1,000 feet higher than any other peak within 30 miles. That separation gives the bare, rocky top its expansive views. Plan for a mountain hike rather than treating the elevation alone as a measure of effort: exposed rock and an open summit call for secure footing, weather awareness, and clothing suited to conditions above the trees. Monadnock has numerous hiking trails, but choosing a specific ascent requires more detailed trail information.
Long-distance trails and route selection
Two named long-distance trails give Mount Monadnock a wider hiking context: the 110-mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the 50-mile Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Those figures describe the trails, not the distance of a summit outing or a suggested day hike. Keep that distinction central when planning: a mountain ascent and a longer trail journey require different decisions about access, supplies, and time on foot. Neither trail name alone establishes a suitable starting point or a complete itinerary for the broader destination. Before committing to a route, obtain current mapping, identify the intended entry and exit points, and confirm access arrangements with the relevant land manager. For a shorter visit, focus planning on Monadnock itself rather than assuming the full named destination forms one straightforward outing.
A summit shaped by fire
Monadnock’s open summit is not simply a product of elevation. Fires set by early settlers largely created its barren appearance. A fire started in 1800 to clear lower slopes for pasture spread into virgin red spruce on the mountain. Between 1810 and 1820, farmers set another fire because they believed wolves were sheltering in fallen timber. It burned for weeks, destroying topsoil and stripping the mountain above 2,000 feet. That history helps explain the rocky terrain encountered today. The mountain also appears in the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. In geological usage, a monadnock is an isolated mountain of resistant rock left exposed as softer surrounding rock erodes—a useful way to understand its striking separation from the surrounding landscape.
Route options
- Metacomet-Monadnock Trail110 miles (180 km)
A long-distance trail included among Mount Monadnock’s hiking trails. The stated length is for the trail, not a summit approach. Choose a mapped section and verify its access before setting an itinerary.
- Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway50 miles (80 km)
Another long-distance hiking option associated with Mount Monadnock. Its full length should not be confused with a day-hike distance; section selection and entry and exit planning are separate tasks.
Sample itineraries
- Mount Monadnock summit day · 1 day
Focus on Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Choose a hiking trail suited to the group and allow time for the bare, rocky summit at 3,165 feet. Check the route and weather before setting out; turn back if conditions on exposed terrain deteriorate.
- Monadnock walking and landscape weekend · 2 days
Spend one day exploring Mount Monadnock’s lower slopes and another attempting the summit if conditions allow. Keep both outings within the group’s ability. This is a Monadnock-focused visit, not a traverse of the Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett corridor; confirm individual routes and access before travel.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; plan around current mountain conditions
New England has four distinct seasons. For a spring outing, check for lingering ice and wet footing rather than assuming the rocky summit is ready for warm-weather hiking. Carry layers for changing conditions.
Summer
Summer; choose a suitable weather forecast
The bare summit offers little shelter from sun or incoming weather. Carry water and sun protection, and avoid exposed terrain when thunderstorms threaten. Conditions on the mountain may differ from those in Jaffrey.
Fall
Fall; foliage timing varies
Inland New England is known for fall foliage and mountain views. Plan for cooling temperatures and shorter daylight, with warm layers and a headlamp. Check current conditions rather than choosing a summit day solely for foliage.
Winter
Winter; assess ice, snow, and exposure before departure
Treat the rocky, exposed summit as a winter mountain objective. Check footing and weather, carry appropriate traction and insulation, and choose a lower or shorter outing if conditions exceed the group’s equipment or experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; plan around current mountain conditions | New England has four distinct seasons. For a spring outing, check for lingering ice and wet footing rather than assuming the rocky summit is ready for warm-weather hiking. Carry layers for changing conditions. |
| Summer | Summer; choose a suitable weather forecast | The bare summit offers little shelter from sun or incoming weather. Carry water and sun protection, and avoid exposed terrain when thunderstorms threaten. Conditions on the mountain may differ from those in Jaffrey. |
| Fall | Fall; foliage timing varies | Inland New England is known for fall foliage and mountain views. Plan for cooling temperatures and shorter daylight, with warm layers and a headlamp. Check current conditions rather than choosing a summit day solely for foliage. |
| Winter | Winter; assess ice, snow, and exposure before departure | Treat the rocky, exposed summit as a winter mountain objective. Check footing and weather, carry appropriate traction and insulation, and choose a lower or shorter outing if conditions exceed the group’s equipment or experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, access, and reservation requirements with the managing agency for each planned trail or access point.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Bare, rocky summit terrain requires careful footing, especially when wet or icy.
- The isolated summit provides little shelter from wind, cold, sun, or thunderstorms.
- Mount Monadnock rises about 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape; do not judge the effort by summit elevation alone.
- The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway are long routes, not interchangeable summit approaches. Verify the exact route before departure.
What to pack for Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett
- Current map for the selected trail
- Compass or offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer
- Warm insulating layer
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Footwear with reliable grip on rock
- Water sufficient for the planned outing
- Food and extra snacks
- Traction appropriate to expected ice
- Warm hat and gloves in cold conditions
Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett FAQ
- Where is Mount Monadnock?
- Mount Monadnock, also called Grand Monadnock, is in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. It is the highest point in Cheshire County and a prominent peak in southern New Hampshire.
- How high is the summit?
- The summit reaches 3,165 feet, or 965 meters. It rises about 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape and is nearly 1,000 feet higher than any other mountain peak within 30 miles.
- Why is the summit bare?
- Fires set by early settlers burned summit forests and destroyed topsoil. A fire in 1800 was followed by another between 1810 and 1820, leaving the mountain denuded above roughly 2,000 feet.
- Which long-distance trails include Mount Monadnock?
- Mount Monadnock has hiking trails including the 110-mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the 50-mile Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Those lengths describe the full trails, not summit-day hiking distances.
- Does this plan cover the full Monadnock–Metacomet–Mattabesett corridor?
- No. These itineraries focus on Mount Monadnock. A full corridor trip requires separate verification of route continuity, access points, overnight options, and managing-agency requirements.
- What does “monadnock” mean?
- Geologists use “monadnock” for an isolated mountain left standing as softer surrounding rock erodes away. Mount Monadnock’s isolated profile and bare summit make that landscape form easy to see.