Little Monadnock Guided Hike with Ample Access Outdoors

Little Monadnock Mountain Trail at Rhododendron State Park

Wander through peaceful forest trails, climb toward quiet mountain views, and reconnect with your adventurous side, one steady step at a time.

Join Ample Access Outdoors for a guided hike on the Little Monadnock Mountain Trail in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. This hike begins in the beautiful Rhododendron State Park, home to the largest grove of native rhododendrons in northern New England. Basically, it is giving enchanted forest energy with a side of “wait, are we in a fairytale?” 🌸🌿

This outing is a great fit for hikers ready for a more challenging trail experience featuring steady elevation gain, rocky sections, stream crossings, and some light bouldering. We will move at a supportive pace, take breaks as needed, and hike together as a group. No one is left behind.

Please note that this is not a beginner-level walk. While the distance is relatively short, the elevation gain and terrain make this hike more physically demanding than it may appear on paper.

Event Details

📍 Location: Rhododendron State Park
424 Rockwood Pond Rd.
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447

📌 Google Maps Link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yGRj5Xwwx1fnn4ie6

🗺 Trail Info:
AllTrails: Little Monadnock Mountain Trail
https://www.naturl.link/lilmdkalltrails

Parking and Meeting Information

🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available at the trailhead.

The parking area is a medium-sized dirt lot located at the trailhead.

📍 Meeting Spot: We will meet at the trailhead at 8:00 a.m.ready for a more challenging trail experience featuring

Trail Snapshot

🌲 Trail Name: Little Monadnock Mountain Trail
🥾 Distance: 2.7 miles
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 698 ft
🔁 Trail Type: Out and back
⚠️ Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Please take difficulty ratings with a grain of salt because all trail ratings are subjective.

Trail Overview

We will begin on the Rhododendron Loop Trail, a 0.6-mile flat path that circles a 16-acre grove of native Rhododendron maximum. This grove is the largest in northern New England and is especially vibrant during its mid-July bloom.

After a short distance on the Rhododendron Loop, we will reach the intersection where the yellow-blazed Little Monadnock Mountain Trail branches off. From there, the trail heads northwest toward the mountain’s summit. The route is well-marked and offers a peaceful forest hiking experience.

The ascent includes a steady climb through the woods. Hikers should expect occasional rocky sections, natural stone stairways, uneven footing, and areas that require careful foot placement. Along the way, we will pass a small bog and remnants of historic stone walls. Near the summit, the trail intersects with the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

The summit itself is wooded and has limited views. Just before the summit, there are ledges that offer a framed view of Mount Monadnock in the distance. This viewpoint provides a beautiful reward before the final stretch of the trail.

There is one section of light bouldering and stream crossings. Please wear hiking boots or trail shoes with strong traction. Please also bring an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet.

There are no benches or restrooms once we are on the trail, so please plan accordingly.

Good to Know

🚻 Restrooms: Outhouses are available at the trailhead.

🪑 Benches: Picnic benches are available at the trailhead.

🔊 Noise: Expect some background noise from wind, water, and occasional visitor traffic.

🐕 Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome in the parking area and on the Little Monadnock Mountain Trail only. Pets are not allowed in any other area of Rhododendron State Park.

Please note that this hike includes light bouldering and stream crossings. We suggest leaving pets at home unless they are experienced with hikes of this length, elevation gain, and terrain.

❤️ COVID-19 Policy: Face coverings are optional and follow current city and state guidelines.

Land Acknowledgment

Ample Access Outdoors acknowledges that the land on which we will gather for this hike is on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Wabanaki Dawnland Confederacy, N’dakina Abenaki / Abénaquis, and Pennacook Peoples.

Learn more at:
https://native-land.ca

Accessibility and Accommodations

Need any specific accommodations to join this hike? We would love to support you.

Please email Brittany Francis at brittany@ampleaccessoutdoors.com so we can plan accordingly.

Extra Resources

Rhododendron State Park and Little Monadnock Trail Maps:
https://www.naturl.link/lilmdkmappdf

Trail Review: Stav is Lost - Hike Little Monadnock Mountain:
https://www.naturl.link/lilmdktrailrevu

NH State Parks: Rhododendron State Park:
https://www.naturl.link/nhsprhodstpk

Hidden Gems of New Hampshire: Rhododendron State Park:
https://www.naturl.link/rhodostpkvideo

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Preventing Tick Bites:
https://naturl.link/noticksonmethe

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

🥾 Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots or trail runners

🎒 A Comfortable Backpack: To carry all your essentials

🍎 Snacks: Because hikes & snacks are soulmates! (Think protein bars, trail mix, or fruit)

💧 At Least 1 Liter of Water

🧥 Layered Clothing: The weather in New England does what it wants! Be prepared for sun, wind, or a sudden chill.

🕶️ Sunglasses & Hat: Protect your eyes & face from the sun

🧴 Sunscreen: The sun doesn’t care if it’s cloudy—protect your skin!

🐛 Bug Spray: Mosquitoes and ticks don’t pay trail fees, but they’ll still show up

🗺️ Navigation (Optional): A phone with GPS or a trail map (just in case!)

🦠 Hand Sanitizer

🛑 Any Personal Care Items or Medications – If you need it, bring it! (Think inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)

PRO TIPS

🥾 Review the 10 Essentials recommended for hiking. CLICK THIS LINK.

🎒 Review the Leave No Trace principles. CLICK THIS LINK.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

​​We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. We honor and respect all intersectional identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, body size, ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. We actively stand against racism, discrimination, and all forms of oppression. Our programming is grounded in universal design principles and the belief that the outdoors belongs to everyone. Together, we will foster a supportive community where all voices are valued, and everyone feels empowered to connect with nature on their own terms. You are welcome here, just as you are.

📲 CONNECT WITH US

🔗 Eventbrite: Ample Access Outdoors

🌎 Website: ampleaccessoutdoors.com

📸 Instagram: @ampleaccessoutdoors

📘 Facebook: Ample Access Outdoors