The Trail now continues through generally level forest crossing two streams and a massive rock slide to reach NH Route 124. The steep ascent of 3,165 foot Grand Monadnock begins almost immediately after crossing NH 124, following the Royce Trail to the southeast of Fassett Brook to the abandoned Picnic Grove, just north of the site of the old Halfway House. From there, the M-M Trail uses the White Arrow trail which it follows to the summit of Grand Monadnock, the northern terminus of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. Parking is available at the North Parking Lot off of Bullard Road (see section 7). Parking is prohibited where the M-M Trail crosses NH 124.

From the short side trail from the Gap Mountain North Parking lot continue on the M-M trail to the top of a small hill at 0.3 (14.9) miles. Turn left and then immediately right and descend to a brook crossing. Cross through an old rockslide at 0.4 (15) miles. Continue generally northeast, crossing another rockslide coming into a pine grove at 0.6 (15.2) miles. Continue through the pine grove to reach another brook at 0.7 miles. Cross a stonewall and begin a gradual climb crossing another stone wall and reach NH 124 at 1 (15.6) mile.

Note: 4 miles to the right (E) on NH 124 is Jaffrey Center and the Monadnock Inn which offers food and lodging. See www.monadnockinn.com for a description of their accommodations. Two miles beyond Jaffrey Center is the business center of the Town of Jaffrey which additional food and lodgings.

Crossing NH 124, enter the woods. Cross a stone wall and then another stone wall shortly and turn immediately right. Continue generally northeast to cross a brook at 1.3 (15.9) miles. The trail here crosses fields of boulders requiring careful footwork. Beyond the brook, begin a steady climb crossing a stone wall at 1.6 (16.2) miles. Descend into a gully and climb again reaching another stonewall at 1.7 (16.3) miles. Turn right to cross a wall and climb steadily, reaching a large trap rock ledge at 1.9 (16.5) miles. At 2 (16.6) miles reach the Cart Path. The Old Toll Road is 300 feet to the right on this old trail.

Cross the Cart Path and soon bear to the left to reach a gully at 2.1 (16.7) miles. Beyond the gully, bear right to climb up steeply over open ledges. At 2.2 (16.8) miles turn left to shortly reach the old Picnic Grove and the end of the Royce Trail. When you reach this point look back in the direction you have come so you will be able to find the beginning of the Royce Trail on your return.

From the Picnic Grove take the White Arrow Trail to the 3,165 foot summit of Grand Monadnock at 3.3 (17.9) miles. Enjoy the steep climb here to the scenic open summit of one of the world’s most climbed mountains. When you arrive, be sure to note where you entered the summit area as many trails radiate from the summit.

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Copyright 2016, 2017, 2019 Frank Bequaert (Copying permitted for personal use only.)