Mount Monadnock, in Jaffrey New Hampshire, is one of the most hiked mountains in New England for three good good reasons; 1) it is pretty easy to get to the mountain from Boston 2) the hike is very do-able as a day hike for lots of different skill levels, and 3) the views are inspiring.

The above photo is from a hike in early October, which is definitely the time to go if you want to see the autumn foliage. I can also strongly recommend a hike in July if you want to eat wild blueberries while on the trail.

My friends and I strongly recommend hiking up the Spellman trail. It is has the steepest terrain on the mountain, which keeps away the crowds. Part of the trail has some exposed rocky areas that provide some of Monadnock’s best scenic vistas.

If you’re planning a hike there are a few things to make sure you bring: shoes with good traction, water, some layers for the summit (especially in the windy fall), and a camera to capture the views. Access to the mountain via the park is $5 a person, which also covers parking.