The Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail is a 50-mile point-to-point route connecting Mount Wantastiquet on the Vermont-New Hampshire border with iconic Mount Monadnock. Completed in 2018 after 25 years of planning, this trail strings together a remarkable diversity of landscapes: rocky summits with expansive views, remote forests in New Hampshire's largest state park, historic preserves, and 12 miles of rail trail corridor through the city of Keene.
This trail suits backpackers seeking a moderate challenge with a mix of wilderness and civilization. The western sections through Pisgah State Park offer the most remote backcountry experience, while the middle rail trail stretch provides easy walking and convenient resupply in Keene. With only four overnight camping locations for 50 miles, careful planning is essential. The trail sees relatively light traffic compared to established New England routes, offering solitude on most sections.
No permits are required for hiking the Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail. However, camping regulations vary significantly by land ownership:
Pisgah State Park (the trail's most remote section): No camping or fires allowed within park boundaries. Overnight parking is prohibited at staging areas.
Horatio Colony Preserve: No overnight camping permitted. The preserve is open dawn to dusk only.
Gap Mountain Reservation (Forest Society): No camping or fires allowed. Overnight parking for through-hikers may be available with advance permission.
Monadnock State Park: Camping allowed only in designated campgrounds. A $16 parking fee applies at major trailheads. No pets allowed in the park.
Download the current trail map package from the Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail Coalition for the most recent camping information and any updated restrictions.
Late May through October offers the most reliable conditions. The trail traverses lower elevations (highest point is Mount Monadnock at 3,165 feet), so it's snow-free earlier and later than the White Mountains to the north.
Spring (April-May): Avoid early spring. Mud season typically runs through late May, and hiking on saturated trails causes significant erosion. Blackflies peak from mid-May through mid-June, particularly brutal near streams and wetlands in Pisgah State Park. If hiking in May, bring a head net.
Summer (June-August): June after the blackflies subside is excellent, though early June can still be wet. July and August bring heat and humidity. The 12-mile rail trail section offers no shade and can be punishing in afternoon sun. Start hiking by 7am on hot days.
Fall (September-October): September after Labor Day is ideal—fewer bugs, cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and reliable weather. Fall foliage peaks in early October. Expect freezing nights by late October.
Winter: Possible for experienced winter backpackers, but the limited camping options become even more restrictive with snow. Microspikes often needed on higher elevations.
Water Sources: Natural water sources exist throughout the route, but seasonal reliability varies. The Troy campsite is near a river. The Draper campsite has a pond nearby. Sarah's Spring on Mount Monadnock is seasonal and often dry by late summer. Carry treatment (filter or chemicals). Plan for 2-3 liters capacity between sources and verify current conditions before your hike.
Keene Resupply: The trail passes directly through Keene after about 25 miles, offering full resupply options. Sam's Outdoor Outfitters (74 Monadnock Highway) stocks backpacking gear. Major grocery stores include Price Chopper and Walmart. Keene has restaurants, lodging, and gear repair services. This is your only easy resupply without leaving the trail.
Troy: Small town with limited services—a few restaurants but no major grocery stores. Adequate for picking up snacks or a meal, not a full resupply.
Brattleboro, VT: Just across the Connecticut River from the western trailhead at Hinsdale. Offers full services, groceries, and outfitters. Overnight parking available in Brattleboro's parking garage near the trail start.
Jaffrey: Closest town to the eastern terminus at Mount Monadnock. Requires a side trip from the trail.
Limited Camping: With only one shelter and three primitive campsites spread across 50 miles, your itinerary is largely dictated by these locations. The Dort Shelter (Friends of Pisgah) holds 6-8 people and may be full on summer weekends. The three tent sites are primitive with no amenities beyond what's noted (Troy site has a privy).
Bear Activity: New Hampshire has roughly 5,000 black bears (one per 2 square miles). Store food properly—suspended 12 feet high and 6 feet horizontally from tree trunks, or use a bear canister. The White Mountain National Forest (to the north) has increasingly bold food-conditioned bears; while this trail is south of problem areas, proper food storage is essential.
Navigation Through Keene: The 12-mile bike path section from Keene to Troy follows the Cheshire Rail Trail. While mostly straightforward, the urban section requires attention to turn onto the rail trail. Download detailed maps showing the route through town.
Rail Trail Conditions: The Cheshire Rail Trail between Keene and Troy has been reported as rocky and muddy in sections. While easy walking grade-wise, the surface may be rough. This is also the most exposed section—no tree cover, potentially hot, and less scenic than forest sections.
Mixed Trail Conditions: Trail quality varies by land manager. The newest sections completed in 2018 may need maintenance. One FKT report noted sections feeling remote with sparse maintenance between miles 2-26.
Porcupines: Common in New Hampshire forests. Store boots inside your tent or hang them to prevent damage from salt-seeking porcupines.
Western Trailhead (Mount Wantastiquet): The trail begins at the base of Mount Wantastiquet in Hinsdale, NH, right across the Connecticut River from Brattleboro, VT. Overnight parking available in Brattleboro's downtown parking garage (check current regulations). From Boston: 2 hours north via I-91. From Manchester, NH: 1.5 hours west.
Eastern Trailhead (Mount Monadnock): Park at Gap North Lot on Bullard Road off Route 124 in Jaffrey, NH. Note: If finishing at Monadnock State Park headquarters instead, expect a $16 parking fee. From Boston: 1.5 hours northwest.
Shuttle Services: No dedicated shuttle service exists for this trail. Private shuttles: Trail Angels Hiker Services operates in New Hampshire but verify they service this route. Otherwise, coordinate your own car shuttle (57 minutes driving, 50 miles) or contact the Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail Coalition for current shuttle recommendations.
Public Transit: Brattleboro has Greyhound bus service and Amtrak's Vermonter line (one daily train each direction between St. Albans, VT and Washington, DC). Keene has limited regional bus connections. No public transit serves the Jaffrey/Monadnock area.
Roads: All trailhead access roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. No high-clearance vehicles needed.
Plan Your Campsites First: Work backward from the four camping locations to determine your daily mileage. The Dort Shelter is roughly 15 miles from the western terminus. Troy campsite is around mile 35. Inflexible camping options mean inflexible daily mileage.
Consider Flip-Flopping: Start at Monadnock, hike west to Troy, resupply in Keene, then return east to finish. This lets you hit Keene mid-trip for resupply rather than continuing 25 miles after town.
Bring Cash for Monadnock: The state park charges day-use fees. Have cash ready if finishing at the official state park parking area.
Mountain Laurels: If hiking in June, the mountain laurels near Mount Wantastiquet are spectacular—worth timing your trip to catch the blooms.
Trail Maintenance: This is a young trail maintained largely by volunteers. Carry clippers for minor blowdowns and report significant issues to the WMT Coalition. The trail is generally well-marked with white blazes.
Water Strategy on Rail Trail: The Keene-Troy rail trail section has limited water access. Tank up before leaving Keene and again at the Troy campsite near the river.
Free Bear Canisters: White Mountain National Forest offices (603-536-6100) loan bear canisters free on first-come, first-served basis. While not required on this trail, it's worth borrowing one for peace of mind given limited camping options—you can't move camp if bears become problematic.
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