Wantastiquet - Monadnock Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Historical Significance · Lake · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Though the W - M website mentions that this trail isn't set up for a thru-hike, there may be enough places to camp to allow for this.

Starting from the western terminus of the trail, it follows the tread of the Wantastiquet Mountain Trail. This trail follows white-rimmed blue diamond blazes. After the viewpoint for Indian Pond, the trail follows the southern leg of Ann Stokes Loop. It travels to the northern leg of Daniels Mountain Loop and follows it to Daniel's Mountain.

Here, the trail turns southward to Moon Ledge, then turns eastward. It follows the tread of Bear Mountain Connector to Plain Road, then crosses the road and follows Bear Mountain Trail. It descends to Chesterfield Road, then follows the road south to the Kilburn Pond Trailhead Parking Area. The trail takes an immediate left to follow Davis Hill Trail.

The trail reaches a split where you can either follow Old Davis Hill Trail or Davis Hill Trail. It looks like when they built the Dort Shelter, the trail was re-routed to follow the (new) Davis Hill Trail. You'll see signs for the shelter (on the left); it's 0.2 miles to the shelter. The water source, at the shelter, is prone to drying out; you may want to tank up before camping out. If you're camping out for the night, it would be worthwhile to check out the view at Hubbard Hill Outlook.

Continue along the Davis Hill Trail to pass by Old Davis Hill Trail (on the right) and Hubbard Hill Trail (on the left). Here, the trail follows the tread of Baker Pond Trail to Reservoir Road. Turn right onto Reservoir Road Trail and follow this to North Ponds Trail. Turn left onto North Ponds Trail and follow this to Old Chesterfield Road. Turn right and follow the road all the way to the Nash Trail. Follow Nash Trail, then Fullam Pond Trail. Take Beal's Road Trail to exit Pisgah State Park. Turn right and follow Draper Road to the next campsite. Sarah's Spring is seasonal and may not have water later in the season.

There is, supposedly, another campsite around West Mountain, but it isn't signed well. Travel through the trails of the Horatio Colony Preserve to reach the Cheshire Rail Trail. Follow the Cheshire Rail Trail all the way to Troy. There is another area to camp in Troy; please check the W - M webpage for rules and restrictions. Follow route 12, then Quarry Road. After Fern Hill, cross into the Gap Mountain Reservation and traverse the mountains. The trail follows the tread of the Metacomet - Monadnock Trail from here to the summit of Mount Monadnock.