Miller State Park, Peterborough NH

• 4-star hike | 8 mile loop
• Medium difficulty | 2,200 feet elevation gain
• Monadnock Region | Peterborough, NH
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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 most popular route in the park is a 2.7 mile (830ft) loop 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 some.


Chalk up another fire tower! We're working on visiting all of them.

Our trail includes 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. 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.

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.


Rocks and roots are common obstacles on many a New Hampshire trail.

Route Summary:
• Wapack Trail > Cliff Trail > Wapack Trail > Marion Davis Trail

Tangents:
• Official website • AllTrails link
• Trailspotting NH hiking trail reviews
• Trailspotting NH map of trails
• Comment at Facebook Trailspotting Group