DATE: Apr 13, 2014 to Apr 13, 2014
Hiking/Walk Temple Mountain Hike

Meeting Time: 11:00 AM

Event Coordinator: Gandalf
Peterborough, NH
US

Max # People: 15

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Moderate

SUMMARY:

The Temple Mountain ledges offer a great ridge walk with majestic views of neighboring Mount Monadnock and an almost surreal environment of rock ledges decorated with 10-foot-tall rock cairns and chairs constructed from rocks and boulders! The ledges are on the Wapack Trail. The hike is about 7 miles round trip with 1,500 elevation gain. It will be a leisurely three to four hour hike.

Trail Description: The footpath rises from the parking lot and eventually follows a stone wall up to the Sharon Ledges overlooking the surrounding forest, Lilliputian homes and the city of Boston about 60 miles away. We then ascend Burton Peak [2,010'] with panoramic views of Mounts Watatic and Monadnock. It then ascends Holt Peak [2,055'] and proceeds to the Temple Mountain Ledges [1,770'] where rock cairns create an otherworldly landscape.

What to wear/bring: There will still be snow on the ground and the trail will be icy so light traction [microspikes] is required. Wear clothing suitable for exposed ledges and summits...no cotton or blue jeans. Depending on the temperature, you may want to wear insulated hiking boots. Bring along water, lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

  • The trailhead is located on Temple Road in Sharon, New Hampshire. It is NOT the trailhead off Rte. 101!
  • If you are driving from Manchester, take Rt. 101 West, pass the height of land where the trailhead for Pack Monadnock and Temple Mountain is, and as you descend to Peterborough take a left onto Rt. 123 South. 
  • Travel on Rt. 123 South for 4.0 miles and then turn left onto Temple Road.
  • Drive for 0.7 mile on Temple Road then park on the right in a small dirt parking area.
  • We'll be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser.