The Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail is a 50-mile point-to-point route connecting Mount Wantastiquet on the Vermont-New Hampshire border with Mount Monadnock. Completed in 2018 after 25 years of planning, the trail strings together an unusual range of terrain: rocky summits with long views, remote forest in New Hampshire's largest state park, historic preserves, and 12 miles of rail trail corridor through the city of Keene.
The trail suits backpackers who want a moderate challenge with a mix of wilderness and town. The western sections through Pisgah State Park are the most remote backcountry on the route, while the middle rail trail stretch is easy walking with a convenient resupply in Keene. There are only four overnight camping locations in 50 miles, so careful planning is essential. Traffic is light compared to established New England routes, and most sections are quiet.
No permits are required for hiking the Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail. Camping regulations, however, 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 has the most reliable conditions. The trail stays at lower elevations (the highest point is Mount Monadnock at 3,165 feet), so it is 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 and are worst 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 has 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 already limited camping options become even more restrictive with snow. Microspikes are often needed at 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 of capacity between sources and verify current conditions before your hike.
Keene Resupply: The trail passes directly through Keene after about 25 miles, where you can resupply fully. Sam's Outdoor Outfitters (74 Monadnock Highway) stocks backpacking gear. Major grocery stores include Price Chopper and Walmart. Keene also 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. Fine for picking up snacks or a meal, not a full resupply.
Brattleboro, VT: Just across the Connecticut River from the western trailhead at Hinsdale. It has full services, groceries, and outfitters. Overnight parking is 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 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 (the 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 in a bear canister. The White Mountain National Forest to the north has increasingly bold food-conditioned bears; this trail is south of the problem areas, but proper food storage still matters.
Navigation Through Keene: The 12-mile bike path section from Keene to Troy follows the Cheshire Rail Trail. It is mostly straightforward, but the urban section requires attention to make the 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. The grade is easy walking, but the surface may be rough. This is also the most exposed section: no tree cover, potentially hot, and less scenic than the forest sections.
Mixed Trail Conditions: Trail quality varies by land manager. The newest sections, completed in 2018, may need maintenance. One FKT report noted that miles 2-26 felt remote with sparse maintenance.
Porcupines: Common in New Hampshire forests. Store boots inside your tent or hang them so salt-seeking porcupines can't chew them.
Western Trailhead (Mount Wantastiquet): The trail begins at the base of Mount Wantastiquet in Hinsdale, NH, directly across the Connecticut River from Brattleboro, VT. Overnight parking is 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 you finish 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. For private shuttles, Trail Angels Hiker Services operates in New Hampshire, but verify they cover 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 fine for standard vehicles. No high clearance needed.
Plan Your Campsites First: Work backward from the four camping locations to set your daily mileage. The Dort Shelter is roughly 15 miles from the western terminus. The 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 puts Keene mid-trip for resupply rather than 25 miles of trail after town.
Bring Cash for Monadnock: The state park charges day-use fees. Have cash ready if you finish at the official state park parking area.
Mountain Laurels: The mountain laurels near Mount Wantastiquet bloom in June, and the display is worth timing your trip around.
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 a first-come, first-served basis. A canister isn't required on this trail, but it's worth borrowing one, since with so few camping options you can't relocate camp if a bear becomes a problem.
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