Along the Wapack

In late November, I returned to New Hampshire in search of snow. Last year at this time, Pack Monadnock was sporting a fresh layer of new snow. I wrote about that hike in a previous posting here.

In preparation for winter hiking, I had begun carrying a heavier pack in the 10-15lb range. I would wear heavy boots for the first time this year. I had become accustomed to lighter footwear during the summer months. There would now be a reckoning as I would be carrying more weight with every step.

Unfortunately southern New Hampshire was still snow free when I returned this year. I began my hike on the Wapack Trail as I had the year before. The Wapack was established in 1972, and runs from Greenfield, New Hampshire south to the Massachusetts border, connecting to the Midstate Trail.

Last year’s hike was markedly different, with spikes and winter boots being a necessity. Today the ground was frozen solid, but the precipitation was absent. Instead of snow and ice, I would navigate rocks and roots.

It was a grey, overcast day. Temperatures hovered at 30F/-1C at the trailhead, and I kept my puffy down jacket on for the first half mile or more. Mittens and fleece hat were in use, but my trail crampons would ride on the pack today. While there was no snow to worry about, it was becoming too cold to hike in my lighter boots which were not insulated.

A mile in, the trail began to get vertical, and I stripped off the puffy to a fleece layer.

There was some ice on the ledges, a sign of recent freeze/thaw conditions on the trail. A little careful footwork was needed to work around the ice, but nothing that presented a challenge.

I soon made my way to the summit of North Pack Monadnock. I was heading south to it’s taller sibling, Pack Monadnock, but would cross over Middle Monadnock first.

The summit of Middle Monadnock is marked by a smaller cairn, and it does not have a view. I didn’t pause there, but continued on to Pack.

Pack Monadnock is located in Miller State Park, and entering the park can require a fee. No ranger greeted me on this off season Sunday morning. I stopped for a break at the overlook in the park.

The view was much less inspiring this fall versus last year’s winter hike!

Looking to the west, I could see Grand Monadnock in the distance, my destination earlier this fall.

It was close to 11:00 when I began my return, retracing my steps back to the trailhead. The Wapack Trail was in excellent condition, and well blazed with yellow triangles.

I arrived at the parking area after 1pm, and pulled onto the road for the long drive out. I watched the wind begin to push the tops of the evergreens as I drove home, and snow flurries swirled in the air, taunting me to return.