Pinnacle & Rose Mt, Lyndeborough NH

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 450 to 820 feet
• Lyndeborough, NH | Monadnock Region
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The image shows a rocky landscape with a prominent cairn, which is a human-made pile of stones, in the foreground. Cairns are often used to mark hiking trails in areas where traditional signs might not be visible. The background features more rocky terrain with sparse vegetation and a few smaller cairns scattered around. In the distance, there are rolling hills leading to mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Rose Mountain views of Mount Monadnock.

The small New Hampshire town of Lyndeborough is dispersed across an area north east of Milford, and encompasses several moderate mountain peaks. This route explores three of them, offers tranquil - likely solitary - woodland hiking and unique scenic views of neighboring mountains that may be more familiar with New Hampshire hikers. Our map also offers a shorter hiking option to the summit of The Pinnacle via a partial loop.

The Mountain Road trailhead is unmarked, with a few roadside parking slots just to the south. Heading gradually uphill to The Pinnacle, the trail is mostly easy going with very few rock and roots, the surface often cushioned by blankets of pine needles. Around half the way up the mountain is a junction leading to Helen's trail - we suggest bearing left and continuing on the main path and returning along Helen's trail.
Expand ↓ Map

4★ Three Peaks 4.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 820 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

4★ The Pinnacle 1.5 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 450 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Views from mostly wooded summit of The Pinnacle (1,703 ft) are partial at best, but if you continue around this domed peak you will find a viewpoint that looks towards the white spherical radomes of New Boston Space Force Base. Further around the bend you'll also happen upon a more spectacular view that spans the horizon from Monadnock to Kearsarge Mountains. We've marked these spots on our map.

If you choose to continue beyond The Pinnacle to bag the peaks of Lyndeborough (1,640 ft) and Rose (1,720 ft) mountains, you'll be doing so along wide snowmobile trails that offer easy going without much further elevation gain. We enjoyed the feeling of trekking deeper into the forest and further away from civilization. There are plenty of signs that these trails can be well-used however, including firepits on mountain peaks and even the remains of a long-abandoned motor car.

The image shows a person standing on a forest trail, looking up at the tall trees with green foliage. The sky is visible through the leaves, creating a serene and natural atmosphere. The individual is dressed in a blue shirt, dark pants, and hiking boots, suggesting they are enjoying a hike in the forest.

Trailspotting author posing like he's never seen a tree before.

Lyndeborough Mountain's wide and exposed summit requires a short out-and-back diversion off the main trail. Continuing to Rose Mountain rewards with the best of the scenic viewpoints, but note that you'll have to continue a little beyond the summit to find it.

Trail conditions were especially easy for New Hampshire, with few rocky sections to traverse. Despite the solitude you're likely to find in these mountains, the trails are wide and well-trodden enough that ticks are unlikely.

The image is a split view with two different scenes. On the left, there is a close-up of an orange salamander on some wet rocks and dead leaves, highlighting the creature’s vibrant color against the muted background. On the right, there is a landscape view of a mountainous area with a clear sky, fluffy clouds, and an old, leafless tree standing prominently in the foreground.

One of several Newts along the trail. | Crotched Mountain from Rose Mountain.

The image shows an old, rusted motor vehicle, abandoned in a forest. The machinery is heavily oxidized and surrounded by fallen leaves and trees, indicating it has been left there for a long time.

Decomposing between Lyndeborough & Rose mountains.

Tangents:
• Official: Rose Mountain Preserve
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Rose Lyndeborough & Pinnacle
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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