Monadnock-Metacomet M&M Trail

The Monadnock–Metacomet M&M Trail is a hard long-distance hiking route built from the trail tradition connecting Massachusetts’ Metacomet Ridge uplands with Mount Monadnock in southern New Hampshire. The route is about 114 miles long, marked with a white blaze system (white painted rectangles and diamond-shaped signs).

In its broader corridor, the trail runs through the Metacomet Ridge system and the central Massachusetts uplands before reaching Mount Monadnock. Along the way, it passes notable high points such as Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke, and continues into New Hampshire to summits including Little Monadnock Mountain, Gap Mountain, and Mount Monadnock.

Terrain character shifts from the trap-rock ridges and ledgy mountain country of the Metacomet ranges into the higher, more plateau-like northern section. The northern approach follows an elevated upland and includes features like Rattlesnake Gutter, as well as Northfield Mountain and reservoir areas before turning toward the Monadnock summit in New Hampshire.

The M&M Trail is maintained primarily through volunteer effort, with the Berkshire-area Appalachian Mountain Club working on the upkeep and clearing/preservation of the northern and western sections of the corridor. Expect a long, demanding hike where sections vary from steep, rocky climbing/ledge travel to more level walking in valleys and forested stretches.

For planning and pacing, treat this as a true long-distance undertaking (not a day-hike): the route is rugged and spans both Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, with the hardest climbing centered on the summit approaches such as Mount Holyoke and the final ascent to Mount Monadnock.

Common route names you may see for this trail include NET/M&M Trail (white); the white-blaze marking is the key identifier when moving between sections or connecting with adjacent long-distance trail branding.

More information: Official website, Map, Wikipedia