Summer is a special season on our corner of the earth. The Monadnock Region offers outdoor experiences for every interest and ability, from mountain views (that you can drive to), to shaded walking trails, garden tours, farm stands, and peaceful afternoons by the water.
For beautiful views without a strenuous climb, Miller State Park offers the summit of Pack Monadnock – a smaller mountain with a big payoff. Park at the base and hike 1.3 miles or take the auto road to the summit and enjoy pristine 360-degree views with a seasonally open fire tower.
If you enjoy shaded trails, Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail is an easy out and back with pond views perfect for birding, nature study, shade, and a peaceful wooded setting. Cunningham Pond Conservation area is another excellent choice with woodland paths, water, and views of nearby hills. In fact, the pond is a resident favorite for group kayaking trips and birding beyond the summer months.
If your idea for a summer outing is not a hike or walk; our region offers many options to admire gardens, a flower field, pick your own berries, or sample delights from a farm stand. The Rustic Wolf Farm in Mason offers a seasonal roadside stand, Pelloni’s Farm Market in Hinsdale or Tenney Farm in Antrim offers plants, locally produced goods, and seasonal experiences. Monadnock berries in Troy is another favorite, with pick-your-own berries and flowers set against a mountain view!
Sometimes, the best way to take the area is from the passenger seat, with the windows down. This 80-mile route offered by VisitNH.com does not disappoint. It starts in Keene, heads through Marlborough to Jaffrey, Peterborough, Greenfield, Hancock, Stoddard, Marlow then back to Keene. There are several beautiful and interesting stops along the way.
On a sizzling summer day, set up and relax by the water at Edward MacDowell Lake in Peterborough. RiverMead residents enjoy an annual picnic and lake day to relax and connect in a refreshing way. MacDowell offers picnic shelters, restrooms, playgrounds, and boat launches. An easy place to make a day of it!
In this author’s humble opinion, one of the best ways to experience our area is to pair outdoor time with the arts and culture in the region. Take a morning walk, then enjoy lunch in Peterborough. Start the day with a scenic drive, then browse a gallery or museum stop. Plan a garden visit, then enjoy outdoor live music on Fridays in Peterborough’s Depot Square. You can dance alongside several residents who regularly attend.
For the adventurous hiker, Mount Monadnock will always be there, too. This 4,000-foot mountain is standalone in southern New Hampshire and one of the most hiked mountains in the world! Hikers can see the city of Boston from the summit on a sunny day.
In the Monadnock region, outdoor living does not have to mean pushing yourself. Take in a view, share a picnic, discover a farm stand, or simply feel the breeze in the afternoon. There truly is no place like New Hampshire in the summer.
