How I'm Approaching the Monadnock 50 Finest - An Ongoing Process!
- Izzy Risitano
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Monadnock 50 Finest is a newer list featuring the best trail-accessed views in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. The list was created by Mark Swasey, who also runs a patch program via the Facebook group. Using the downloadable application sheet and the accompanying Wilder List, I have created a route and grouping spreadsheet you'll find below. In addition to the spreadsheet, this page will also serve as a hub for an ongoing record of my travels as I work on this list. Presently, I am just 34% done so there'll be a lot to come here. Some of them are short day hikes, others are the entire Monadnock Sunapee Greenway. Everyone hikes lists differently- this is just my approach!
Unlike my other posts, this one will be continuously and chronologically updated until I've completed the list- minus the small handful we've all done several times (Pack Monadnock, North Pack, etc.) I hope you find the groupings useful; it was a time-consuming product of my brief sabbatical in early 2026.
Bacon Ledge
Though close to other peaks, Bacon Ledge was a lone hike for me as I worked on my own list, Mountains for Meals! The hike is incredible straight forward. Check out my blog post here.
Keene Day: Beech Hill x2 and Hyland Hill
Though I was organized enough to create a spreadsheet, Derry Hill slipped my mind and I have to go back for it. Liz and I got out for the Beeches and Hyland in late February for a much more enjoyable hike than I imagine. Beech Hill (Dublin) is in the lovely nordic area, Beech Hill (Keene) is an incredibly short hike on it's own so be sure to visit the view point half a mile from the top, and Hyland was a fairly meh firetower peak in the area.
The Monadnock Sunapee Greenway: Hubbard Hill, Jackson Hill, Mt. Monadnock, Parker Hill, Pitcher Mountain
Hannah and I did the MSG back in May of 2025 and it was just unforgettable. We did it on the faster side, but this 50-mile journey would be great spread over 1-4 days depending on how aggressive you hike! While you could do all of these separately, I think everyone should put this Southern NH Gem on their bucket lists. Find my report here or on the official Monadnock Sunapee Greenway website.
Harris Center Day: Thumb and Skatutakee
Each time I've recommended this hike to someone, I tell them bring any little kids in their life because this is the perfect family hike. From the fun wooden-animal scavenger hunt to the relative ease of the trek, this one is a blast! Take a look at my trail report from 2023 here.
Lyndeborough Day: Rose, Pinnacle, and Winn
I did this one in early 2026 to save on driving, and it really exceeded my expectations! Winn wasn't terribly exciting, but the trek to Rose and Pinnacle is absolutely something I'd do again.
Half Antrim Day 1: Clark, Wilson, Hedgehog
With a couple of hours to kill in mid-February, I planned out a string of short hikes near Concord. Though I did Hedgehog and Wilson separately, I absolutely would have done them together if it'd been summer. Hedgehog was a thrill on it's own, however Wilson and Clark were just too short to be memorable. The other note about Clark, is that it starts at a retreat center so it's a bit of an odd start. Parking is plentiful though!
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