Pack Monadnock Mountain is a public state park in New Hampshire near Peterborough in Hillsborough County County. Spanning 1,017 acres, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | New Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Peterborough |
| County | Hillsborough County |
| Park Size | 1,017 acres |
Location & Getting There
Pack Monadnock Mountain is located near Peterborough, New Hampshire. The park’s coordinates are 42.8627, -71.8786.
Things to Do
New Hampshire state parks capture the rugged essence of New England, featuring the towering peaks of the White Mountains, pristine glacial lakes, and a brief but beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline. Visitors can hike some of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the Northeast, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, swim in crystal-clear mountain lakes or ocean surf, camp in deep forest settings, fly fish for trout in fast-moving streams, and rock climb dramatic granite notches. The parks also encompass historic sites, including grand resort-era estates and early American settlements.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (late September to mid-October) is the most famous time to visit, drawing “leaf peepers” from around the world to witness the spectacular autumn colors in the White Mountains. Summer (July–August) is peak season for lakes and coastal beaches, offering warm days and cool nights. Winter turns the mountain parks into destinations for downhill and cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. Spring (May–June) brings black flies (“bug season”) and muddy trails at higher elevations, though it’s excellent for waterfall viewing.
Visitor Tips
New Hampshire state parks charge day-use admission fees, typically $4-$5 per adult and $2 for children, though coastal beaches charge parking fees instead. Advanced day-use reservations are strongly recommended (and sometimes required) for popular parks like Franconia Notch (Flume Gorge) and Monadnock, especially on summer and fall weekends, as parking lots fill early. Weather in the White Mountains is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly — always carry layers and check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast before hiking at elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit New Hampshire state parks?
Day-use admission is typically $4-$5 per adult and $2 for children. Coastal beach parks charge parking fees instead. Some parks like Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch charge separate entry fees for attractions.
Do I need a reservation for Franconia Notch?
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Flume Gorge attraction at Franconia Notch, especially on summer and fall weekends. The gorge trail and parking area can fill to capacity on peak days.
When is peak fall foliage in New Hampshire?
Fall foliage in New Hampshire typically peaks from late September in the White Mountains to mid-October in the southern part of the state. The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch are iconic foliage destinations.
What are the best state parks for hiking in New Hampshire?
Franconia Notch (Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain), Monadnock (one of the most-climbed mountains in the world), Crawford Notch, and Mount Sunapee offer excellent hiking from moderate to challenging.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Pack Monadnock Mountain is one of many outstanding state parks in New Hampshire. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Hampshire guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Pack Monadnock Mountain — 2,290 feet in Peterborough/Temple — is part of the Wapack Range and the site of Miller State Park (NH’s oldest state park, 1891). The summit — accessible by a 1.3-mile auto road or hiking trails — provides expansive views of Mount Monadnock, the Wapack Range, and the Boston skyline on clear days. The park is a premier hawk migration watch site in September. Broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and Cooper’s hawks stream past.
Nearby Attractions
Temple Mountain — along the Wapack Range — has hiking. Peterborough — adjacent — inspired “Our Town.” Mount Monadnock — 15 miles southwest. Wapack Trail — a 21-mile ridgeline trail — traverses the range from Watatic to North Pack Monadnock.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Miller State Park (a short drive away) or Binney Pond Natural Area (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pack Monadnock Mountain
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Pack Monadnock Mountain?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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