Sunrise Hike Up Monadnock via White Dot Trail Loop

Whether this is your first hike in the dark or your 100th, Monadnock is a great place for a sunrise hike.

When you should start the hike depends on your pace. Giving yourself two hours will let you comfortably reach the top by the time the sun should hit the horizon.  It took us about 1.5 hours. The trailhead for this hike is located at the Monadnock State Park off of Poole Road in Jaffrey, NH. You will be arriving before park rangers are there but the lot will be open and you will pay on your way out ($5). If you're lucky the moonlight may help in guiding you, otherwise get your headlamp on and let your eyes adjust. An extra flashlight in your bag isn't a bad idea incase your headlamp goes out. 

Taking the White Dot trail up to the summit is great for sunrise because it is the shortest trail available at just 2 miles (aka you can sleep a little bit longer). The trail is marked well with, you guessed it, white dots. Within the first mile you will reach a split where you will bear right. The left trail is White Cross which is what you will be coming down. The majority of the trail is steep rock scrambling. This may sound intimidating but can actually be quite fun climbing from rock to rock.

Because you are in the dark, things are a little bit different. For one, you need to be focused on where you are stepping and what's coming up. Second, because you have limited sight, your ears will be on high alert. But don't let a rustle in the woods frighten you, take your normal precautions of making yourself known as to not sneak up on any animals. These sounds are normal, you're just paying more attention.

Before you know it you'll be approaching the top of the tree-line. Now that you're at the top you need to head towards the summit. But first, look up at the sky and appreciate the stars that are now in view! 

Keep following the White Dots across the face of the mountain. You will see a large hill of rocks in the near distance - the summit! Climb up that steep hill, get a good seat, and enjoy the show.

If you really want to enjoy your time wrap up in a blanket (it can be a bit windy up there), find a tucked in spot, and brew some coffee to sip before heading back down. (Personally I use this nifty, french press travel mug: http://www.gsioutdoors.com/com...).

For the descent you will head back down the same way initially following the white dots. While still on the rocky face you will come to a split and bear right to follow the White Crosses (there will be a sign). This trail is similar in length and terrain. You will eventually find yourself at that first intersection and follow the trail back to the lot. 

Now that you're pumped up and ready to go, tackle the rest of the day! May I suggest jumping into the river at Horseshoe Falls in Wilton, NH?