Pack Monadnock Day Hike

What a beautiful day – Just when you think you know what you are in for – Mother Nature changes her mind.  In preparing for the trip we had fully expected to be hiking on earth mixed in with a bit of mud and ice – but Friday’s storm changed the whole experience.  The forecast called for an inch of snow but turned into a major snow event that closed schools in many places for the day.  I hustled to clean up the drive; This opportunity wasn’t going to be missed.

Jim and I were the only hikers for this hike.  Our morning started at 9:50am at the head of the Wapack Trail, 1.4 miles from the summit of Pack Monadnock.  On arrival there were 4 cars – a few folks headed up the toll road, some headed up Marion Davis and we headed up the Wapack – untouched by anyone – the trail was ours to make.  Snowfall totals seemed to fluctuate between 6 to 8 inches with an under layer of ice in some areas.  We sported our micro spikes and headed up. The morning temperature started at 28 degrees and remained there most of the day.  The climb up was easy going and pristine.  The air was crisp and clean – ahhhhhhhhh, to breathe fresh air.

At the summit we paused for snacks, hydration and bumped into some hikers who were intent on sledding down – unbeknownst to me the toll road is apparently a fun slide though the hikers were concerned that the recent snowfall wasn’t quite enough.  I may be sliding down the toll road in the near future!!

We continued on the Wapack Trail to summit North Pack and this is where this hike gets beautiful.  We followed the trail and quickly descended into an area that seemed protected from the winds – the snow clung to the trees and the fresh fall made sure each step we made would be the first.  The forest was ours and we took great pleasure in the scenic path.  Having hiked at a decent pace, we decided to loop east along the Cliff Trail which granted us more trail time, snow scapes and a modest challenge of scaling some rocks to reach the summit of North Pack.  Because the snow was new, we were fortunate to be following in the footsteps of a gentle woodlands creature… was it a fox, coyote or bobcat… we’ll never know, but the tracks were clear!  (Personally I think Jim was just day dreaming, lol).

At the summit we bumped into a gentleman who was patiently waiting for his hiking buddy who was not far behind him, they hiked up 1.5 miles from Old Mountain Road.  We chatted a bit, took in the views and marveled at how far we could see, the skies were clear all day.  We carried on and stopped at Carolyn’s Trail Head with views looking north for lunch.  From there we continued along the path and eventually found and followed our footprints back to the summit of Pack Monadnock.  With only 1.4 miles left in our Journey we set afoot down the Marion Davis trail which had seen a lot of activity during the day.  The trail was considerably packed, slushy and at times muddy.  It didn’t matter, we were outside enjoying the day – we didn’t want it to end.  We arrived back at the car at approximately 4pm with the sun setting behind the hilltops.  We pit stopped for coffee and made our way home – a brilliant sunny day, a modest journey of roughly 8 miles – and feeling refreshed and rested.  It is good to be experiencing this life.  Thank you Jim, for a great day!!

Join me Saturday, February 6th, for a day of fun easy to moderate hiking at Miller State Park, Pack Monadnock.

If you’ve been thinking of trying winter hiking, this one is for you!  The park gates are closed in winter but open to hiking and outdoor recreational use all winter.  We will assemble at the gate, hike up the Wapack Trail, 1.4 miles to Pack Monadnock at 2,290’ for a total elevation gain of 840’.  From the summit we will continue on 2.3 Miles to North Pack at 2,200’.  Between the two summits we will descend and ascend 400’.  We’ll return to Pack Monadnock and connect with the Marion Davis Trail for a 1.4 mile steady descent back to the parking area.

I hiked this late summer with a friend from New York and I’m eager to experience the winter version.  We will hike at a moderate pace with short breaks for hydration and lunch.  For more information about the park and a brief history, go to:  http://www.nhstateparks.com/miller.html

It has been a mild winter though I’m delighted to experience some colder temps and light snow cover this weekend (January 18).  Predicting trail conditions can be difficult but I would expect light snow cover and the possibility of ice, so bring traction such as micro spikes.  My recent hikes further north in New Hampshire called for Micro Spikes on a base layer of 6 to 8 inches of snow.  This trail climbs at a reasonable pace with no rock scrambles and levels out in places.  The forest is pristine and the trails are well marked with blazes. We will be taking short breaks as needed and lunch along the way, probably at the North Pack summit. Have hand warmers as a backup in case your hands get cold.  A major snow storm between now and February 6th may precipitate the need for snowshoes – could we be so lucky!  

It’s February, temps will likely hover at or below freezing, so water should be packed in wide mouth bottles. The Camelback tubes/Hydration devices freeze up (I learned the hard way) at 32 degrees even with insulation ~ do not bring them.  Insulated wide mouth bottles is the way to go. A little bird suggested a thermos with hot cider or tea to drink while having lunch is quite the treat.  No cotton and dress in layers – staying warm is very easy when dressed appropriately.