Miller State Park, Peterborough NH
• 4-star hike
• 2.7 to 7.7 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 810 to 2,170 feet
• Peterborough, NH | Monadnock Region
• Driving directions: Trailhead
The best views are from North Pack Monadnock's Cliff Trail.
Established in 1891, Miller State Park is the oldest state-run park in New Hampshire and is named for Peterborough born military leader James Miller. The park envelopes Pack Monadnock from where you can also reach North Pack Monadnock - a second peak of similar elevation. The word “pack” reportedly originates from a Native American word for “little”, thus describing these summits as diminutive when compared to the famed 3,087ft Mount Monadnock eleven miles to the East.
The Pack Monadnock fire tower is one of around 27 standing fire towers in NH, and one of the goals of the state's Fire Tower Quest Patch. See Trailspotting's Fire Tower List for a map of all standing New Hampshire fire towers and links to fire towers that we've visited.
Pack Monadnock,
North Pack.
Pack Monadnock Loop 4★2.7 mi, Loop, Medium, Gain 810ft | The most popular route in the park takes you to the summit of Pack Monadnock, where you’ll find a fire tower and a sweeping northerly vista. The views here are particularly treasured by birders for the fall hawk migration, where several thousand hawks, eagles and vultures can be seen during September and October. The summit can also be reached by vehicle, and the road to the summit is also a popular walking route for those who prefer the going to be a little easier.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
North Pack Loop 4★7.7 mi, Out & back, Medium, Gain 2,165ft | A longer route incorporates the above route but also takes in more of the Wapack Trail, a second summit at North Pack Monadnock, and a cliff trail walk to another great overlook at an old rock-fall.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
We’d describe trail conditions as common for New Hampshire – lots of rocks and roots underfoot, though there are some areas of respite on the ridgeline between the two summits. Some stream crossings, but since everything is downhill you shouldn’t expect many swampy areas. We rate this trail as a four-star due to the views and a variety of trail terrain.
Chalk up another fire tower! We're working on visiting all of them.
Rocks and roots are common obstacles on many a New Hampshire trail.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
NH State Parks
Support your New Hampshire State Parks, a self-funded organization managing trails like these without NH tax dollars.
Support your New Hampshire State Parks, a self-funded organization managing trails like these without NH tax dollars.
NH Fire Towers
See Trailspotting's NH Fire Tower Map for list of towers, locations and links to best nearby trails.
See Trailspotting's NH Fire Tower Map for list of towers, locations and links to best nearby trails.