So few free weekends this summer! This was a mountaintop day, though, with clear dry air that guaranteed good views. I dropped everything and drove to Fitzwilliam to visit New Hampshire’s Rhododendron State Park and its trail to Little Monadnock.
In early July, Rhododendron State Park’s famous blooms are still a couple of weeks away.
Alas, the rhododendron grove is still a week or two from being in bloom. The loop trail makes for a pleasant shady walk nonetheless. That’s a short walk, and the well-prepared visitor will bring bug repellent (and for once, I remembered to pack it). Then I headed uphill, following the yellow blazes over rocks and roots to the summit ridge of Little Monadnock. Once I reached the ridge, I turned east-northeast and followed the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail a short distance to get a fine view of Grand Monadnock.
The trailhead at the state park’s parking area leads to a junction with the Little Monadnock trail.
Mt. Monadnock, seen from Little Monadnock’s summit ridge.
The sign at the summit ridge could use a little attention, but it gets its job done.
Granite State Walker 