Wantastiquet Mt, Chesterfield NH


• 3-star hike
• 4 miles out-and-back
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,070 feet
• Chesterfield, NH | Monadnock Region
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The image shows a stone marker on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by green bushes and trees. A leafy branch hangs down from the top. In the background, rolling hills covered in dense green forest stretch out under a clear blue sky with a few wispy clouds. The scene is tranquil and scenic.
Views over Vermont from the top of Wantasiquet.

Wantastiquet Mountain, located in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, offers a rewarding hiking experience with spectacular views. Rising 1,300 feet above the Connecticut River, the mountain offers scenic vistas that extend across the river into the town of Brattleboro, Vermont, and further into the rolling hills and mountains of Vermont's picturesque landscape.

The most accessible route to the summit of Wantastiquet Mountain is via a former service road that has since been converted into a hiking trail. This route features a series of switchbacks that help maintain a moderate grade throughout the ascent, making it manageable for hikers of varying experience levels. The trail is mostly easy going, with only occasional patches of shallow water and mud, particularly after periods of wet weather.
Expand Map
RED 3★ Wantastiquet Mt Trail 3.9 mi out & back, medium, gain 1,070 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The majority of hikers choose to end their journey at the viewpoint located just short of the mountain's summit, as the actual summit is densely forested and lacks any clear views. The viewpoint, however, more than compensates for this, offering panoramic views of Brattleboro and the surrounding area. From this vantage point, hikers can take in the vast expanse of the Connecticut River Valley and the distant peaks of Vermont.

For those looking to extend their hike beyond the initial viewpoint, a narrow trail continues past the summit towards Mine Ledge. This trail offers an additional viewpoint and eventually leads further east to the Madame Sherri Forest, a popular destination known for its rich history and unique stone ruins. Trailspotting has a separate review of the trails in Madame Sherri Forest, which is linked at the bottom of this article.

In addition to its scenic beauty, the Wantastiquet Mountain trailhead serves as the starting point for a much longer hiking route that connects to the Cheshire Rail Trail. This extensive 45-mile route meanders through New Hampshire’s scenic countryside, eventually leading to the summit of Mount Monadnock, a renowned peak standing at 3,170 feet.

The image shows a man hiking up a rocky forest trail. He is wearing a bright orange-red shirt, dark trousers, and a cap. The path ahead is uneven, with rocks and tree roots, and it ascends through a dense forest. Tall trees with green leaves line both sides of the trail, creating a canopy overhead. The forest floor is covered in leaves, moss, and patches of greenery. The overall scene conveys a sense of adventure and immersion in nature.
Hiking the wide, sometimes rocky trail to the summit.

The image captures a wide, scenic view of a lush green landscape from an elevated vantage point. In the foreground, a pine tree's branches partially obscure the view. Below, a dense forest stretches out, interspersed with clearings and a small town featuring a cluster of buildings. A reflective body of water, like a pond or small lake, is also visible near the town. Beyond the immediate landscape, rolling green hills extend into the distance, culminating in a range of blue mountains under a clear, slightly cloudy sky. The overall scene is serene and expansive, showcasing a rich, verdant countryside.
Brattleboro views including mill buildings and ski jump.

Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail
• Public Map at AllTrails: Summit Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article


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