Wapack Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wapack Range |
|
|---|---|
View from Kidder Mountain
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Pack Monadnock |
| Elevation | 2,290 ft (700 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 18 mi (29 km) north-south |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| Range coordinates | 42°48.9′N 71°53.5′W / 42.8150°N 71.8917°W |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Devonian |
| Type of rock | Metamorphic: Littleton Formation |
The Wapack Range is a beautiful chain of mountains. It stretches about 20 miles (32 km) long. You can find it in southern New Hampshire and nearby Massachusetts. People sometimes call it the Pack Monadnock Range.
This mountain range is known for its amazing views. It has many bare tops and rocky ledges. These spots offer great places to look out over the land. The mountains here range from about 1,800 to 2,290 feet high.
A famous path called the Wapack Trail runs through the range. This trail is 22 miles long and is one of the oldest hiking trails between states in the United States. The Wapack Range is also where another long trail, the 90-mile Midstate Trail, ends.
The rocks that make up the Wapack Range are very old. They are mostly metamorphic rocks like schist and quartzite. These rocks have changed a lot over millions of years due to heat and pressure. The range runs from north to south. It passes through several towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Contents
Exploring the Wapack Range
The Wapack Range is home to several important peaks. These mountains offer different challenges and views for hikers.
Main Peaks to Discover
Here are some of the notable mountains in the range, listed from south to north:
- Mount Watatic
- Pratt Mountain
- New Ipswich Mountain
- Barrett Mountain
- Kidder Mountain
- Temple Mountain
- Pack Monadnock
- North Pack Monadnock
Protecting the Wapack Range
Many parts of the Wapack Range are protected areas. This means they are kept safe for nature and people to enjoy. These areas include state parks, state forests, and lands managed by groups that work to save nature.
Special Places in the Range
Miller State Park is located on Pack Monadnock. It is the oldest state park in New Hampshire. This park helps keep the mountain beautiful for everyone.
Temple Mountain used to have a ski area. In 2006, the state of New Hampshire bought this land. It is now planned to become another state park. This will help protect more of the range.
Windblown Ski Area is on and around Barrett Mountain. It is one of the oldest places in the United States for cross-country skiing. It's a great spot for winter fun.
Saving Mount Watatic
There have been efforts to protect Mount Watatic. People worked hard to stop plans for a communications tower road on the summit. They also prevented new houses from being built where an old ski area used to be.
The Friends of the Wapack is a non-profit group. They have been working since 1985 to help protect the Wapack Range. Their efforts ensure these beautiful mountains stay wild and open for future generations.
