| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Little Monadnock Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rhododendron Loop Trail, Little Monadnock Trail, Metacomet-Monadnock Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, August 26, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Room for about a dozen cars in the main parking area. We all fit with room for a few others. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
According to the guidebook, dogs are allowed on Little Monadnock but not on the trails that go through the Rhododendrons. |
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 | Bugs: |
None or very minimal |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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|
 | Comments: |
The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (MMT) is blazed in white. I think the other trails, at least Little Monadnock Trail, were blazed (maybe in yellow?) but I'm not sure. In any case, Rhododendron Loop Trail was very easy to follow and Little Monadnock Trail was easy as well. The MMT is a bit more obscure, especially north of Little Monadnock Trail toward North Meadows but experienced hikers shouldn't have trouble following it.
Lovely finish hike of my SNH Redlining with some friends and family on Little Monadnock. We hiked up Little Monadnock first, going the shortest way through the Rhododendron Loop Trail, turned left (south) for the summit when we hit the MMT, did an OAB on the 0.2mi sur south along the MMT to North Meadows, then descended, looping around Rhododendron Loop Trail at the bottom as well. We did one few hundred feet OAB on it as we weren't sure if part of it was considered the loop or not.
Though the rhododendron's were obviously no longer blooming, they were still incredible to walk through and found the trail very enjoyable. It's like walkign through a tunnel. I can only imagine what it's like when they're in bloom! While the trails were generally not steep, I will admit that Little Monadnock Trail was a bit steeper and rougher at times than I'd expected. There is one pitch that could be described as easily scrambling more so than merely steep. I don't recall ground conditions well, but I think there was mud. North Meadows is a cool spot but unfortauntely the view is mostly grown in. As the guidebook says, there is quite a striking and framed view, just south of the jct with Little Monadnock Trail along the MMT though. That being said, you'll likely only notice it when desending though. We enjoyed a little potluck on the bottom and the parking lot was very quiet so no one seemed to mind. Great spot for a finish and thank you to all who come; we even got to celebrate one of my friends birthdays as well! Gaia had us at about 3.6mi, 700ft of gain. |
|
 | Name: |
Liam Cooney and Lil Young |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-08-26 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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