Monadnock State Park

116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Phone: 603-532-8862

Gilson Pond Campground
585 Dublin Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Phone: 603-532-2416



Icon Legend

Monadnock State Park is located in and around the 3,165-ft. Mount Monadnock. The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands. In 1987, Mount Monadnock was designated a National Natural Landmark. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities.

Operating Schedule

Monadnock State Park is open year-round. While the staff is present around the park daily, limited visitor services and amenities are provided and day-use fees are required through the winter season only on weekends and holidays. Water and firewood may not always be available from park staff. Campers can call Monadnock HQ at 603-532-8862 for details. The Park Store is also only open on weekends and holidays through the winter. Visitors can make arrangements for visiting the Park Store mid-week, during the winter, by calling and setting up a time with the Park Staff.

The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands.

Winter Recreation at Monadnock State Park

Monadnock State Park offers winter hiking, skiing and camping. Hikers interested in finding out what the conditions are prior to heading out can call the park directly at (603) 532-8862 or visit the Monadnock trail conditions report webpage.

Trailhead Access

Monadnock State Park Headquarters, at the base of the White Dot Trail, is the only trail entrance plowed and maintained by the Park Staff through the winter. Access, parking availability, toilets, and favorable parking lot conditions at any other entrance may be limited or unavailable.

Winter Hiking Information

In addition to appropriate cold weather clothing, hikers should be prepared through the winter with proper footwear and additional traction (MicroSpikes or crampons). Hikers without proper footwear may be forced to hike on the edges of trails, trampling vegetation, widening the trails, and harming the mountain's fragile ecosystem. Hikers should be able to stay on their feet while descending and not slide down sections of trail. The snow becomes packed, freezes, hardens, and becomes very slippery and dangerous. There is no running water in the park during winter. Hikers should bring water with them. Sledding is not permitted. Ice climbing and downhill skiing/telemarking are allowed in limited areas. Please call the park directly for details. Sledding on the mountain is prohibited.

Winter Camping

Winter camping provides an opportunity for winter adventure that is close to home. Many campers utilize camping facilities at Monadnock State Park for honing their winter backcountry skills while taking advantage of the convenience provided at a maintained campground. Hunters can also use the campground as a base to take advantage of hunting opportunities in the state forests located in the immediate area.

The campground road is closed to vehicles when winter conditions are present and during early spring until the road subsurface dries. Campers may park at the start of the campground road while setting camp and hike/ski/snowshoe or sled supplies campsites. Please move your vehicle to the plowed parking area (near the park store) after setting up camp and register the following morning at the park store on weekends and holidays or the iron ranger station in front of the park store during mid-week. Water is not available when park staff is not present, so be sure to bring an ample supply for your stay. Firewood can be acquired from fallen branches and downed trees, or for purchase if park staff is available. Please do not cut any standing trees or branches even if the tree is dead. Out of state firewood is prohibited. Groups must make a camping reservation directly with the park at 603-532-8862. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites at Monadnock HQ. Camping on the mountain is against state law.
Monadnock Headquarters Campground Map

Reserve a campsite at Monadnock State Park for next season through ReserveAmerica.

Nordic Skiing

Approximately 8 miles of trails are maintained for Nordic skiing on the lower slopes of Monadnock. These trails are ungroomed and require a minimum of 12 inches of natural snow cover over the rolling and occasionally rocky terrain. the trails are considered intermediate. Skiers must bring their own equipment.
Monadnock Nordic Ski Trails Map

Planning an Outing?

Monadnock State Park is a great location to hold a family reunion, corporate outing, and more. For more information, check out our Outings in State Parks page and see a complete listing and photos of all our State Park Pavilions and Group Use Areas.

Are pets allowed at Monadnock State Park?

Pets are not permitted in the park or on the mountain. Please note that this law includes all trails and areas on Mount Monadnock. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.

Keep Your Parks Clean

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.