Mount Monadnock Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Monadnock
Grand Monadnock
Rocky plateau on summit of Mount Monadnock
Highest point
Elevation	3,165 ft (965 m)
Prominence	2,150 ft (660 m)
Listing	#33 New England Fifty Finest
Geography
Location	Jaffrey / Dublin, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States
Geology
Age of rock	400 million years
Mountain type	Littleton formation schist/ quartzite
Climbing
First ascent	1725 by Captain Samuel Willard
Easiest route	White Arrow Trail 2.3 mi (3.7 km)

Mount Monadnock, also called Grand Monadnock, is a famous mountain in New Hampshire, a state in New England. Many well-known writers, like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, have written about this mountain. It is the tallest mountain between the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. It is also the highest point in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock is one of the most popular mountains in the world for hiking.

Mount Monadnock is about 3,165 feet (965 m) tall. This makes it almost 1,000 feet (300 m) higher than any other mountain within 30 miles (48 km) of it. It rises 2,000 feet (610 m) above the land around it. The mountain is located in the towns of Jaffrey and Dublin, New Hampshire.

The word "monadnock" is used by American geologists. It describes a single mountain that stands alone. This happens when softer rocks around it wear away, leaving harder rock behind. In other parts of the world, this type of mountain is called an inselberg.

Mount Monadnock's top is bare, rocky, and stands alone. This gives hikers amazing, wide views. The top of the mountain is mostly clear because of fires set a long time ago. The first big fire in 1800 cleared trees from the lower parts. This made space for animals to graze. More fires and a hurricane damaged the forest even more. Between 1810 and 1820, local farmers thought wolves were hiding in the forest. They set the mountain on fire again. This fire burned very hot for weeks. It destroyed the topsoil and removed trees and plants above 2,000 feet (610 m).

What's in a Name?
Awesome Hiking Trails
Climbing the Mountain Safely
Protecting the Mountain
Images for kids
See also

What's in a Name?

The word "monadnock" comes from the Abenaki language. It means something like "mountain that stands alone." This name fits perfectly because the mountain rises by itself above the nearby land.

Awesome Hiking Trails

Near the start of the White Dot trail.

Mount Monadnock has many miles of clearly marked hiking trails. Two trails are the most popular for climbers. The White Dot Trail is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long. It is the shortest way to the top, but it is also the steepest. This trail starts from the Monadnock State Park headquarters. The White Arrow Trail is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long. It is considered an easier way to reach the summit.

There are also several other trails to explore. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests has a special guidebook. It includes maps, trail descriptions, and information about the mountain's history, plants, and animals.

Climbing the Mountain Safely

One mile from the summit on the White Dot trail.

A small stream on the White Dot trail during a rainy day.

Around 125,000 hikers climb Mount Monadnock every year. A round trip to the top and back on a shorter trail usually takes about four hours. This hike can be challenging for some people. You don't need special skills or equipment from late spring to early fall.

However, climbing during winter and early spring is different. You will need special equipment, warm clothing, and good preparation. The weather at the top of the mountain is often much colder. The wind can also be much stronger than down below. Hikers should always be careful when climbing. It can be especially risky from late fall to early spring.

Protecting the Mountain

A 360° view from the top of Mount Monadnock.

Most of Mount Monadnock is protected land. This means that new buildings or roads are not allowed there. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests owns most of the mountain area. Their Monadnock Reservation covers over 4,000 acres (16 km²). The state of New Hampshire and the town of Jaffrey also own parts of the mountain. This protection helps keep the mountain beautiful for everyone.