The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway is a 46-50 mile white-blazed point-to-point trail in southern New Hampshire connecting two of the region's most prominent peaks, Mount Monadnock (3,165 ft) and Mount Sunapee (2,743 ft). It gives backpackers a taste of the Appalachian Trail experience without the crowds, crossing a surprisingly remote landscape of dense forest, quiet ponds, rolling hills, and open meadows. With approximately 10,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain over moderately challenging terrain, the MSG works well for novice backpackers testing their skills, families on a long weekend, and experienced hikers who want a well-maintained trail close to the major New England cities.
The trail passes through a patchwork of conservation lands: three New Hampshire state parks (Monadnock, Sunapee, and Pillsbury), land trust properties, and over 80 private parcels where landowners have granted trail easements. This mix of public and private land means backpackers must stick to designated camping areas and follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously. The trail's continued existence depends on keeping these landowners happy.
Most thru-hikers complete the MSG in 3-4 days, though the well-spaced shelters allow flexible itineraries. The terrain is classic New England: rocky and rooted paths, occasional road walks, wet sections in spring, and steep ledges with rewarding views. Unlike the heavily trafficked White Mountains to the north, the Greenway is quiet, with a sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the Northeast.
No permits are required to backpack the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. All five shelters and the Fox Brook tent platform are free and first-come, first-served, with no reservation system. Shelter space is never guaranteed, so carrying a tent is strongly recommended, especially on popular weekends in summer and fall.
Camping is strictly prohibited except at designated sites. Violating this rule jeopardizes the trail's access across private land. The six official camping areas are clearly marked with signs and detailed on the official MSGTC trail map.
Open fires (wood or charcoal) are banned at all Greenway campsites, so backpackers must carry a gas stove for cooking. This rule exists because of fire danger and the sensitivity of camping on private land.
All trash must be packed out. The trail operates on a strict pack-in/pack-out policy, with no waste disposal facilities at any camping area.
Pets are prohibited within Monadnock State Park boundaries at the southern terminus. Dogs may be allowed on other sections of the trail, but check current regulations before hiking with pets.
Hunting is permitted on lands adjacent to the trail. During hunting season (typically fall), hikers should wear blaze orange for visibility.
The official parking fee at Monadnock State Park is $15 per vehicle (plus $1 reservation fee). Parking reservations are strongly recommended April through November, as the park regularly sells out on weekends. Alternative trailheads like Dublin or Pumpelly may have free parking. At the northern terminus, parking is available at Mount Sunapee Resort or along designated areas on Mountain Road near various trailheads.
Most backpackers hike the MSG from late May through October, and late August through mid-October is the prime window.
Summer (June-August): Reliable weather and full water availability make summer the safest choice for first-timers. Expect warm temperatures in the valleys and cooler conditions on the exposed summits. Biting insects (mosquitoes, blackflies, deer flies) can be intense in June and early July, particularly near water and in low-lying areas. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; stay off exposed ridges and summits during electrical activity. The brooks near the shelters usually hold up in summer, but even these should not be assumed reliable.
Fall (September-October): The most popular season for good reason. Cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking, insects disappear after the first frost, and foliage peaks from late September through early October, when the whole route turns orange and red. Water availability begins declining in September; any source marked unreliable will likely be dry, and even some typically dependable brooks may be down to trickles during dry autumns.
Spring (April-May): Shoulder season hiking brings solitude but also challenges. Snow lingers on Mount Monadnock and around Lake Solitude well into April, requiring traction devices. An early April thru-hiker reported temperatures ranging from 30-45°F with rain, sleet, and snow. Trail sections can be extremely wet and muddy. Water is abundant, though snowmelt can make some crossings harder, and the footbridge at Eliza Adams Gorge can be dangerous during high water. The upside is having the trail largely to yourself, plus spring wildflowers in May.
Winter (November-March): The MSG can be hiked year-round with proper equipment and winter backpacking skills. Snow is common and may require snowshoes or cross-country skis. Ice forms on exposed ledges and summits, making conditions dangerous without crampons and ice axes, and the white blazes become hard to follow against snow. Mount Monadnock's exposed 3,165-foot summit sees severe weather year-round, with frequent high winds; winter storms there can be life-threatening.
Water scarcity is the MSG's greatest logistical challenge. The Greenway is known for unreliable water sources, particularly during summer and fall dry spells.
Most shelters have associated water sources, typically small brooks located 0.2-0.3 miles south of the shelter along the trail rather than immediately next to the camping areas. In early August, any source marked "unreliable" on maps was completely dry. The least dependable water is at Steve Galpin Shelter near Mount Sunapee. Fox Brook tent platform historically has water nearby, but flow varies dramatically by season.
The MSGTC recommends considering water caches if hiking during dry periods, and some backpackers stash water along the route before their thru-hike. At minimum, carry extra capacity (4-6 liters) between sources and plan your daily mileage around confirmed water availability.
All water must be treated. Sources flow through inhabited areas and swamps, so parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens are a real risk. Boiling, chemical treatment, or filtration is mandatory.
The trail crosses several notable water bodies, including Seavers Reservoir, Howe Reservoir, Chesham Pond, Silver Lake, Childs Bog, Center Pond, Halfmoon Pond, and the mountaintop Lake Solitude. These larger bodies provide reliable water, but it still requires treatment.
Resupply options are limited but adequate for a 3-4 day trip. The Washington General Store, located approximately one-third mile from General Washington Shelter (roughly the trail's midpoint), is a well-loved stop with hot breakfast and lunch cooked to order, snacks, beverages, ice cream, and enough basic groceries for a few days' resupply. It is also where northbound and southbound hikers tend to cross paths. The store is family-owned, supports the trail community, and has become an institution among MSG hikers.
Given the trail's short duration, most backpackers carry all their food from the start and treat the Washington General Store as a hot meal and morale stop rather than an essential resupply.
The MSG has typical New England hiking hazards plus some trail-specific concerns.
Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent throughout the region. Do thorough tick checks daily, wear long pants, treat clothing with permethrin, and consider DEET on exposed skin. Peak tick season runs April through October.
Weather exposure on Mount Monadnock's summit is serious. The isolated 3,165-foot peak gets much harsher conditions than the forested trail below. High winds occur year-round, and winter storms can be life-threatening. Check forecasts and be ready to change plans if severe weather approaches while you are near either terminal peak.
Lightning risk exists on exposed summits and ridgelines during thunderstorms, which are common on summer afternoons. Start early to summit Monadnock or Sunapee before midday, when storms typically develop.
Water crossings are generally not difficult; most potentially problematic crossings have bridges. The footbridge at Eliza Adams Gorge, however, can be dangerous during high water in spring or after heavy rain. Use caution and consider different timing if water levels are up.
Slips and falls on wet rocks and roots are the most common cause of injury. New England trails are notoriously rocky and rooted, and wet conditions make them treacherous. Trekking poles provide valuable stability.
Wildlife includes black bears, though problems are rare. Proper food storage (hanging, or bear canisters if preferred) is good practice. The more common nuisances are skunks, raccoons, and porcupines active after dark around shelters. Poisonous snakes are considered extinct along the route, welcome news for ground-sleeping hammock users.
Domestic dogs cause more problems than wildlife, according to the trail club. Encounters with unleashed or poorly controlled dogs can be unpleasant, particularly in high-use areas near the state parks.
Navigation is generally straightforward. The trail is well-marked with white blazes and maintained by dedicated volunteers, though the blazes can be difficult to follow in winter snow. Carry a detailed map; the official MSGTC waterproof map is the best available.
Wet trail sections are common, especially in spring or during rainy periods. Parts of the terrain hold water, so waterproof boots or gaiters are worth having.
Overall, the MSG is not technically difficult, but the combination of water scarcity, exposure on the terminal peaks, and classic New England rocky terrain requires proper preparation and respect.
The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway is an end-to-end trail requiring a shuttle or two-vehicle setup, as no public transportation runs between the termini.
Southern Terminus (Mount Monadnock): The trail begins at the summit of Mount Monadnock, accessed via several routes from Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey. The park headquarters on Poole Road is the most popular access, with parking requiring advance reservations ($15 per vehicle plus $1 fee) April through November. The park regularly sells out on weekends, so book ahead at newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com. Alternative trailheads at Dublin and Pumpelly may have free parking without enforcement, though official policy prohibits parking elsewhere to walk into the park.
From Boston, drive approximately 90 minutes northwest via Route 2 and Route 202. From the White Mountains, head south via Route 93 and Route 101 west.
Northern Terminus (Mount Sunapee): The trail ends at the summit of Mount Sunapee, with multiple access points. Mount Sunapee Resort's main parking lot is the most straightforward, with ample space and facilities. Parking is also available at Mount Sunapee State Park campground or along designated roadside areas on Mountain Road near the Andrew Brook trailhead (limited to about 10 cars). Parking restrictions apply in the Andrew Brook area for safety reasons.
From Boston, drive approximately two hours northwest via I-89. From the Hanover/Lebanon area, head south on I-89 to Exit 9.
Shuttle Logistics: No commercial shuttle services operate between the termini. Options include:
The nearest significant airports are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT, about 60 miles from Monadnock) and Boston Logan International (BOS, about 90 miles). Both require rental cars.
Road conditions to all major trailheads are suitable for standard vehicles. High clearance is not required.
Shelter spacing strategy: The five shelters are fairly evenly spread for 3-4 day itineraries, but knowing the exact distances helps plan your days. Southbound hikers often aim for: Day 1 to Steve Galpin or Max Israel, Day 2 to General Washington, Day 3 to Crider or Fox Brook, Day 4 to finish. Northbound is the reverse. Keep your daily mileage flexible, since shelters are first-come, first-served.
Direction debate: Northbound (Monadnock to Sunapee) means starting with the toughest climb and highest exposure and getting the challenge done early. Southbound gives a gentler start on rolling terrain before finishing on Monadnock. Most hikers report preferring southbound so they can "summit out" on the more famous peak, but northbound frontloads the difficulty while you are freshest.
Water cache intelligence: If hiking during dry periods (late summer/early fall), seriously consider caching water before your trip. Drive to road crossings and stash gallon jugs in the woods near the trail, marking locations precisely on your map. This turns a potentially miserable water-scarcity march into a comfortable hike. The Washington area and the road crossings near Pillsbury State Park are accessible cache points.
Washington General Store timing: Plan your itinerary to hit General Washington Shelter around lunchtime on your second or third day, allowing a hot meal at the nearby store. The food and the chance to talk with other hikers make it a trail highlight. The store keeps limited hours, so confirm the current schedule before your trip.
Early starts for summits: Both terminal peaks are exposed, with significant lightning risk. Start early enough to summit Monadnock or Sunapee well before afternoon thunderstorm season (typically 2-4 PM in summer). This matters most on Monadnock's bare rock summit, which has no shelter.
Carry a tent even if planning shelters: With the first-come, first-served system, you might arrive to find a shelter full, especially on holiday weekends. A lightweight shelter is insurance, and it lets you camp near water sources rather than hiking dry distances to shelters.
Map essential: Purchase the official MSGTC waterproof map ($8-10) from their website. It shows all shelters, water sources (with reliability notes), road crossings, and trailhead options. Digital apps exist, but the physical map is a backup and the purchase supports trail maintenance.
Pillsbury State Park bonus: The trail passes through this quiet state park, a mid-trail change of scenery with ponds and a backcountry feel. Some hikers use the park's campground as a bailout option or rest day location, though it is slightly off-trail.
Fall foliage madness: If hiking during peak foliage (late September/early October), expect parking areas to be completely full and trail use at its highest. The views are worth it, but plan on company at shelters and summits. Book Monadnock parking well in advance.
Lesser-known highlight, Lake Solitude: This small, remote pond near Mount Sunapee is one of the trail's most peaceful spots, with mirror-like reflections on calm days. Take a short break here rather than rushing through.
Gear approach: The MSG suits ultralight principles well, given the short duration, manageable terrain, and shelter availability. Many hikers carry minimal gear and prioritize water capacity over luxury items. A compact stove suffices, since fires are prohibited.
Pick your trailheads, choose campsites, and build a day-by-day itinerary. Hikeset tracks your gear, meals, and group so nothing gets left behind.
Start PlanningFree account. No credit card needed.
Hikeset Beta