Monadnock State Park is home to Mount Monadnock, a 3,165-foot high mountain that was designated a National Natural Landmark in the 1980s. The park is open throughout all four New Hampshire seasons, so you have no reason not to get outdoors during the winter! From excellent camping to beautiful hiking, here’s how to make the most of your winter weekend getaway at Monadnock State Park.
Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Monadnock State Park is a stunning winter retreat. Covering 1,017 acres, this park is open to hiking, camping, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and much more. During the winter season, Monadnock is truly a sight to see.
View this post on Instagram
Winter camping is limited at Monadnock State Park, but with careful planning you can enjoy sleeping in the great New Hampshire outdoors when the temperatures dip well below freezing, and there’s plenty of snow on the ground. Once all other campsites in the park close for the winter, camping becomes available at Monadnock Headquarters. Call well ahead of your winter weekend getaway in order to score a spot.
Pumpelly Trail heads up Mount Monadnock, leading hikers along an open ridge to the summit for a 3.5-mile hike. This is perfect for families with beginner hikers, but it might be wise to put slip-on metal cleats on the kids or those without any experience. Monadnock Headquarters will inform hikers of the trail condition and if icy conditions make it unsafe for hiking.
Cross-country skiing will warm you up during your weekend winter getaway. A loop was created for this purpose alone, and those at Monadnock Headquarters will send you in the right direction. There must be a minimum of eight inches of snow on the ground in order for cross-country skiing to take place, but New Hampshire winters in the mountains typically yield that as a minimum. Bring your gear, be sure to pack water and snacks, and plan to enjoy a good portion of your day.
Catch perch, black crappie, bass and pickerel while ice fishing at Gilson Pond in the park. Up to six lines per person may be used. Personnel at Monadnock Headquarters will direct you to the pond. Bring a sled or toboggan to hold gear, make a fire on the pond and sit back and tell tales around the campfire until that first fish bites.
The only hunting during your winter weekend getaway that’s allowed in the state of New Hampshire is pheasant hunting. That may take place anywhere within Monadnock State Park that hasn’t posted “No Hunting” signs, and that isn’t closer than 500 yards to recreation area, including designated hiking trails. Pheasant hunting ends on December 31.
Not far from Monadnock State Park, bring your family to visit the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center. Check the website for exhibits and enjoy the learning adventures on tap. Try on costumes representing people from all over the world. Play musical instruments, enjoy the puppets, and more. The learning experiences here are perfect for all ages.
View this post on Instagram
Four display rooms await visitors at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture. Objects, documents, and photographs depict the rich history the region boasts. Visit a period display of the Robbe Family Kitchen and a collection of early American furniture, decorative arts, clocks, and more. Children will love learning to write or draw with a quill pen, playing historic games and making a rag doll.
View this post on Instagram
Be sure to visit Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates when your winter weekend getaway is over, so you can bring some of the delightful confections home with you. Making chocolates since 2003, Susan and Peter Mazzone specialize in award-winning milk and dark chocolates, including truffles, clusters, hand-painted chocolates, chocolate covered cherries and more.
Stock up on extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils and both dark and white balsamic vinegars at Monadnock Oil & Vinegar Co. Check out their specialty salts, herbs and spices, too. You’ll be so excited about these spectacular finds that you’ll want to hurry home and start cooking. What a perfect way to end your winter weekend getaway!
View this post on Instagram
At Jaffrey Pizza Barn you’ll enjoy some of the best pizza around—and a whole lot more. Dine on pasta, calzones, grinders, fried foods, salads, desserts and more. Everyone in the family will love the meal they choose in this low-key, casual establishment.
