Near Wapack and Back
Massive cairn at the summit.
Near Wapack and Back
View from North Pack Monadnock summit.
Near Wapack and Back
On the way up North Pack Monadnock.
Near Wapack and Back
Pack Monadnock Summit
Near Wapack and Back
DRO_2887-1 Miller State Park, New Hampshire

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Hike Route

Wapack and Back

4.5 (8 Ratings)
A spring trail race on the Wapack Trail.
41
mi
Distance
9,206
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
41.05mi
Distance
9,206ft
Elevation Gain
9,206ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
2,281ft
High Point
1,210ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The Pack Monadnocks on the northern end of the trail offer the longest climbs, moving through boulder fields and slab ridges with great views of Mt. Monadnock to the west. Once descending the rocky trail to Miller State Park running south, there is a climb to the Temple Mtn. ridge up a fire road before the trail enters the wooded singletrack again. Rolling along the Temple Ridge, there are a few small climbs and many overlooks for views to the east and west. The descent to Nashua Road is a mix of singletrack and fire road, that then reaches about a half mile section of paved road connecting the Temple Mountain area to the gradual uphill to Windblown XC ski area.After a road crossing, the trail skirts around the outside of the Windblown XC area and makes its way up Barrett Peak on a tough singletrack climb. Once at the top of Barrett, there are many small ups and downs over the summits of the New Ipswich Mountains with their open ridge scrambling across slab rock. There is a steep downhill leading down to Binney Pond and the trail travels around the perimeter before joining up with a fire road. This road gradually climbs the backside of Mt. Watatic. After approaching near the summit of Mt. Watatic, the descent is steep and rocky to the parking area on Rt. 119.
History & Background
The trail is 92 years old and was abandoned for a while before being restored.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Jesse Veinotte