Pack Monadnock Mountain/Miller State Park
Peterborough and Temple, New Hampshire
Link to official web page
I’ve heard that beautiful Mount Monadnock in nearby Jaffrey is the most hiked mountain in the world. Alas, dogs are not allowed! So, canine climbers and their people head over to dog-friendly Pack Monadnock. From the parking area off Route 101, hikers have their choice of two 1.4-mile trails up to Miller State Park at the 2,290-foot summit. A half-mile loop trail offers splendid views of the surrounding peaks and bodies of water, even a glimpse of Boston. Gone are the days when picnickers drove their wagons to the summit to enjoy lunches packed in old cheese crates and baskets, but the windy paved road is still open to cars during the summer and on spring and fall weekends – a boon for senior dogs who don’t want to risk the 3-mile road trip hike up and down the mountain. Visitors are expected to carry out their litter in bags provided; if you forgot your doggy bags, just ask at the parking booth. They have those, too. (August 2008)
