When fall arrives and the air turns crisp, when the leaves have begun their drift from branch to earth, folks in southern New England reach for rakes and Halloween decorations. I reach for my snowshoes and winter pack.
It’s likely that snow has already begun to fall in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in late October. Perhaps just a dusting in the south or coast, but it’s not uncommon for Mount Washington to receive several inches, and for snow to reach some of the other high peaks as well. This fall I started late. Thanksgiving in New England can be an all consuming holiday, with days of preparation. After it was over, I escaped north to get some snow on my boots.
Winter hiking requires stamina and endurance, and like any exercise, it’s best to build up after a summer of lighter gear, and trail runners.
There are some lesser peaks in southern New Hampshire that offer some great “bang for your buck”, and the mountains of the Wapack Range are certainly among them. Although I’ve already checked them off some lists, they are a fun hike in any season, and particularly nice in winter.
Pack Mondanock in Temple is just a few hours away, and a hike out and back rounds up to about 8 miles. For myself, it’s a solid early season workout. A 15-20lb pack, snowshoes and heavy boots is a physical wake-up call for my body and a great way to burn calories and the few extra pounds that follow the Thanksgiving holiday.
The views are excellent from the summit, and even if you’re hiking solo, there’s usually other hiker traffic on the trails to make you feel comfortable if hiking solo makes you uneasy.
This year’s November hike provided everything I could want in an pre-winter hike.
Trail reports indicated that the mountain had received a few inches, but I couldn’t be sure what awaited me near the summit. The temps were mild, in the 30’s (F), and very little wind. I parked in the lot at the trailhead I’d chosen (Ted’s Trail) and shouldered my pack. I’d hike North Pack, Middle Pack and Pack Monadnock before returning the way I’d come.
Most of this hike is below tree line. Once you approach the summit, you’ll be presented with excellent views, benches and picnic tables for resting. There’s even an open shelter at the summit to eat lunch out of the wind.
There is a fee to hike this mountain, as the peak is within Miller State Park. A ranger may collect a fee when you enter the park from one of the trails outside the park. In late fall and winter you’re unlikely to encounter a ranger, but I don’t have a problem paying a nominal fee like this in support of these parks that provide so much enjoyment.
A full description of the mountain and Miller State Park can be found on the Park’s website here
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 