Mount Monadnock

If you’ve spent any time hiking in New England, chances are someone’s told you to check out Mount Monadnock. Maybe they even said it’s one of the most climbed mountain in the U.S. Regardless, I finally checked it off my list on an unseasonably warm Thursday in April—and wow, what a day for it.

Bluebird skies. No ice. No spikes. And most importantly, no regrets.

I opted for the classic route up the White Dot Trail and came down via the White Cross Trail, which I’d recommend if you’re not into testing your ankle stability on the descent. 

Here are some stats:

The loop that I did was 3.9 miles with 1772 feet of elevation gain. The mountain’s elevation is 3245’ with 360 degree views.

White Dot is a bit of a cardio challenge, with some solid scrambles toward the top. Let’s just say there were a few spots that required more than just my dignity—I needed my hands too.  I have yet to figure out a good way to attach the poles I use to my day pack so they were kind of in the way for a lot of the steep scrambles on the ascent. My knees thanked me for having them on the trip down!  

That said, it’s absolutely doable for most people with determination (and snacks). I saw several kids under 8 hiking with their parents—some of them crushing it, others loudly voicing their discontent about “too many rocks.” I chuckle whenever I hear a child voicing what my inner mind wants to say out loud on the trail.

The summit views were spectacular—clear skies all the way into Massachusetts, Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s one of those rare days in April where you feel like you’ve cheated the system. No snow, no ice or clouds and just enough of a breeze to cool you down at the summit.

A few things to note:

• There is an entrance fee of $15 per car (6 passenger max) but the New Hampshire State Parks license plate gets you in for free. There are nice facilities here so it’s worth the money.

• Reservations are strongly recommended as this trailhead gets busy. I’m glad I had a reservation.

• It was surprisingly busy for a Thursday. That could have been because it was school vacation week in Massachusetts, and Monadnock is close enough to the border to draw a crowd.

• If you’re choosing between White Dot and White Cross for your descent, go with White Cross. It’s more of a rock-hop than a scramble, and your knees will thank you later.

• Bring plenty of water, wear decent shoes, and mentally prepare for the fact that this “easy mountain” is actually kind of a beast. In a good way.

• Bring bug spray & sunscreen, especially as these warm spring days become more frequent.

• There is a cute store at the trailhead that sells Monadnock State Park merchandise, drinks, stickers, and snacks!

• The bathrooms are very nice with real plumbing!

Mount Monadnock lives up to the hype—but don’t let its popularity fool you into thinking it’s a walk in the park. It’s a rocky, scrambly, gorgeous New England classic, and you’ll earn every step of those views.

Trail Etiquette 101: How to Avoid Being “That Person” While Skiing, Hiking, or Strolling the Beach

Whether I’m flying down a ski slope, trekking up a mountain, or simply walking on a sidewalk along the beach, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable trail behavior. And let’s face it — we’ve all had those moments where we accidentally break a rule or two. We’re all guilty of it but being aware of these unwritten rules might help you avoid doing it again.

Ragged Mountain

On the Slopes: Skiing and Snowboarding Etiquette

Ah, the mountain — my happy place. But just because we’re all bundled up doesn’t mean we can forget our manners. Here’s how to keep things smooth on the slopes

1.   Lift Line Diplomacy: You’re not merging onto the highway, so no aggressive line-cutting. Keep your crew together, fill the singles line if needed, and if you accidentally step on someone’s skis, offer a quick “oops, my bad!” instead of pretending you didn’t feel it.

2.  Downhill Has the Right of Way: Picture it: You’re gracefully carving turns (okay, maybe not gracefully), and suddenly someone barrels in like. Don’t be that moose. If someone’s ahead of you, give them space — no one likes a surprise tackle.

3.  Park it Responsibly: Need a breather? Pull over to the side of the trail. Stopping in the middle of a run is like parking your car in the middle of a rotary — legal in exactly zero states.

4.  Know Your Limits: If the sign says “Double Black Diamond,” it’s not a dare. It’s a warning. And trust me, your knees will thank you later.

5.  Lodge Etiquette: The lodge is for warming up, not for airing out your socks like you’re drying fish. Be kind, share the table space, and store your bags appropriately. 

Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Mount Washington

On the Trails: Hiking Etiquette

Hiking is my version of therapy — fresh air, good views, and just enough challenge to convince myself I deserve a post-hike burger. But even out in the wild, some rules apply

1.  Yield to the Uphill Warriors: Hiking uphill is basically nature’s version of a StairMaster. If someone is climbing while you’re cruising downhill, step aside and give them a break. Bonus points if you offer a breathless “you’re almost there!” even if they’re obviously not.

2.  Keep It Single File: I love a good trail chat, but blocking the entire path with your hiking buddies is a rookie move. Walk like a polite conga line, not a wall of defensive linemen.

3.  Leave No Trace: I get it — tossing a banana peel “for the animals” feels like a good deed. But unless squirrels have developed compost bins, it’s best to pack it out.

4.  Leash Your Adventure Pup: I’m all for bringing dogs along, but not everyone wants a surprise greeting from your muddy four-legged friend. And if your pup is the type who thinks squirrels are sworn enemies, maybe keep that leash tight.  Also be sure to take your bag of waste with you. No “I’ll grab it on the way back”!

5.  Music Manners: Singing to yourself on the trail? Totally fine. Blasting your playlist like it’s an impromptu forest rave? Not so much.  Let’s let the birds sing the songs, ok?

6. Don’t be a view hog: Everyone hikes the mountain for the view. Once you soak it in, maybe take a photo or seven, then step aside so any other hikers can also enjoy the views.

Charlestown Town Beach, RI

On the Sidewalk: Beach and Boardwalk Etiquette

Not every adventure is on a mountain. Sometimes it’s just a walk along the beach — enjoying the salt air, avoiding sunburn (in theory), and dodging rogue seagulls. But even on the boardwalk, there are a few unspoken rules

1.  Stick to Your Lane: Sidewalks work just like roads. Walk on the right, pass on the left. And no sudden stops! That scenic ocean view will still be there in three steps.

2.  Space Management: Walking four abreast on a sidewalk is a pet peeve of mine. Break it up. Other people would like to avoid doing an awkward sideways shuffle just to pass you. 

3.  Dog Etiquette (Yes, Again): I adore dogs, but the beach is not a choose-your-own-adventure zone. Keep your pup on a leash if required, and for the love of sandy feet, clean up after them.  Be sure to take it away too!

4.  Sunset Serenity: Watching the sunset is practically a sport in New England. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, savor it. And if you must narrate your every thought, maybe wait until the sun dips below the horizon.

Mount Osceola Summit

Whether I’m skiing down a powdery slope, conquering a new hiking trail, or even wandering along the beach with sand somehow already in my shoes, I try to remember one thing: good trail etiquette makes everything better.

A little courtesy goes a long way — and who knows? Maybe your kindness will inspire others to do the same. Plus, fewer angry glares from fellow adventurers? That’s always a win.

Now get out there, follow the rules, and may your trails be clear, your slopes be powdery, and your beach days be seagull-free!  

We hiked a 4,000 footer!!

We Conquered Our First 4,000-Foot Mountain!! 🎉

I’ll admit it—this one got me a little emotional. It wasn’t that it was the most challenging hike, but it was our first 4k. We always said we weren’t sure if we’d be into the 4,000-footers list, but suffice it to say… we’re hooked. Guess we’ve got a new obsession on our hands!

Click Photo To Listen to Podcast!

Mount Osceola Stats:

• Distance: 5.7 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: 2,040 feet

• Scramble/Climbing: Nope, no rock climbing here—just good old-fashioned hiking!

We parked off Tripoli Road in Waterville Valley. A heads-up: this road can be closed during the off-season, so always check the status of trail and road closures before you head out. Also, Tripoli Road is basically a rugged rollercoaster ride for your car, so watch out for potholes that could double as small craters. There's a small, cash-only parking fee. The good news? There’s a bathroom. Which, when you're out in the wilderness, feels like winning the lottery.

The trail itself isn’t exactly marked—at least, not that we could find. But it’s pretty straightforward and starts right off the parking lot. Of course, it was raining when we began, which definitely had us second-guessing our decision to hike a mountain. But, hey, what’s a little rain, right?

Click Photo to Listen to Podcast!

The rain let up as we hiked on, and the trail? Gorgeous. The incline was gradual (thankfully). The trail is made up of mostly rocks, not so much the climbing kind but to be careful of as you’re hiking on. As we got closer to the summit, the views started to peek through the trees—though, if the clouds had parted, I bet it would’ve been even more epic. I could catch glimpses of Waterville Valley’s ski trails and other mountain peaks trying to sneak their way into view.

Getting closer to the top, we hit one major muddy spot and a rock that was a bit too slanty and slippery for comfort, thanks to the morning’s rain. But it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle. The whole hike took us about 3.5 hours—though I should mention that I'm super slow, especially on the uphill sections. My cardio could use some work! But honestly, just being out in nature made the slow pace totally worth it.

Click Photo to Listen to Podcast!

Once we hit the peak, we had the option to keep going and summit East Osceola, which would have meant conquering two of the 48 4k-footers. But we decided to call it a day while we were ahead. I was feeling good, and didn’t want another Mt Chocorua day (Listen to that episode here) and the views were incredible. We hung out for a while, soaking it all in. Through the trees, we could see Waterville Valley, and I swear I caught a glimpse of Mount Chocorua peeking through the clouds.

Click Photo to Listen to Podcast!

All in all, it was a perfect first 4k. I’ve never hiked any other 4,000-footers, so I can't really compare, but I think Osceola was the perfect place to start. The incline was manageable, and the views were out of this world. It felt a little easier than Chocorua (though, let’s be honest, that’s not saying much), but it wasn’t a walk in the park either. Just the right balance for a 4k newbie.

Final Thoughts:

• Views on top: 10/10 🌄

• Difficulty: 7/10 🥵

Happy hiking, everyone! And remember, it’s not about the height of the mountain—just the memories you make along the way!