Yesterday I arrived in Southern New Hampshire in the late afternoon. I had really hoped to get photos of Mount Monadnock. Unfortunately a low cloud layer hid this famous peak from view. I had been battling a winterly mix of snow and rain all day, so I was eager to finish the drive and rest. However my path took my right past the trail head for Pack Monadnock, so I stopped to take a few photos. Having hiked this area for years, I knew the lower cliffs might offer some fun photo opportunities with the snow.

Lower Cliffs on Pack Monadnock

Now this is something I would normally chastise anyone else for doing. It’s late in the day, I’m alone, no one knows I’m here, and I’m about to walk into a wilderness area in the winter to shoot photos of icy granite cliffs. Warm temperatures the day before had melted the snow and the night freeze made the path slick and treacherous. One slip could lead to a twisted ankle or broken leg, putting me in a difficult situation with nightfall minutes away. However I know this area very well, and the lower cliffs are a few hundred yards away from the parking lot. None the less a wiser photographer would have recognized the danger and followed a more conservative path.

Lots of Ice Due to Warm Temps

As expected the path was very slick. The new ice from the night’s freeze had been blanketed by a fresh snowfall, so I had to carefully choose my steps as I made my way up to the cliffs. Once there I found an amazing display of snow and ice draped over large granite boulders. New Hampshire calls itself the ‘Granite State’, and rightfully so since you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a large granite boulder.

White-out Conditions

Remember how I commented earlier about my questionable judgment in taking this excursion? As I made my way back down the lower cliffs, I was treated to a white-out snow squall. I first heard the wind speed rapidly escalate in the trees. Then the snow started to fall and within a minute visibility dropped to about 50 feet. With the hard driving snow pounding into my face, it was very difficult to see not to mention navigate an ice covered rocky trail. Fortunately I know this area very well and had no trouble making my way out of the park despite the limited visibility.

Which Way Out?

Pack Monadnock is a great place to hike. It’s a moderate trail that provides wonderful views of Monadnock and southern New Hampshire. I highly recommend people visit this mountain when in the area. However I suggest choosing a day where visibility exceeds 50 feet.

To see more pictures from this photowalk on Pack Monadnock, click on the thumbnails below.