Monadnock Pumpelly Hike

On Saturday, July 7th, four of us (Leonard, Jack, Ron and myself) met up at the Gilson Pond Trailhead at just before 9AM.  We got organized and piled into my car for the short drive to the head of the Pumpelly Trail at Dublin Lake.  The day was overcast and rather cool compared to the prior days.

We headed up the Pumpelly, which started out rather modestly in grade and then became much more steep on its way up to the start of the ridgeline.  We didn't push too hard and took a number of breaks along the way.  Until we got to the ridgeline the mosquitoes were bothersome.  It also sprinkled lightly while we were below treeline, but we barely felt it.  We pressed on and reached the open ridgeline by about 10:20AM.  While it was a little hazy there were good views over to the Wapack Range and back down towards Dublin Lake.  There was a nice cool breeze as we made our way along the ridge and over a number of smaller sub-peaks on the way to the "Town-line" summit and then onto the fairly crowded summit of Monadnock.  We made it the summit by about noon and found a nice spot out of the wind to enjoy our lunches.  After about 45 minutes we decided to head back.

The route back used the Pumpelly Trail again for the initial portion of the return trip.  We followed this until we reached the junction with the Spellman Trail and started our descent.  This trail is one of the steepest and rockiest on the mountain, but the trail was mostly dry and the footing was of little concern.  Near the base of this trail it ran into the Cascade Link and Birchtoff Trails, which led us back to the Gilson Pond Trailhead.  Right about the time we reached the shores of the pond, the clouds began breaking up and the sun finally emerged and offered nice views back to the Pumpelly Ridge.  From here it was a very short walk back to our cars, where we arrived just after 3PM.

Afterwards, Ron helped me get my car from the Pumpelly Trailhead while Leonard and Jack got settled.  We all drove over to Kimball Farm in Jaffrey for ice cream before calling it a day.

Thanks to Leonard, Ron and Jack for joining my on this wonderful outing.  Looking forward to seeing you all again on the trails soon!

We'll ascend the mountain (3,165') from Dublin using the Pumpelly Trail.  This is the longest, least used, and least populated trail on Monadnock.  The Pumpelly trail is really only steep near the beginning, as it climbs up the Dublin Ridge, but it has lots of minor ups and downs after we break out of the forest onto open ledges and ridge.  Pace will be moderate and unhurried.  The Pumpelly trail traverses Dublin Ridge on it's way to the summit, offering excellent views from bare ledges and outcroppings for nearly half the hike.  On the way back down we'll use the Spellman and Birchtoft Trails.  Portions of the return will be moderately steep.  This hike is approximately 9 miles with 2670 feet of elevation gain.

This is NOT a dog-friendly hike, as dogs are NOT permitted on the mountain or any of its trails.

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner locally afterwards (my place or at a local eatery).