Capturing the sunset from the summit of Mount Monadnock in southern New Hampshire is a breathtaking reward for the effort it takes to reach the top, and then get back down the mountain in the fading light. That's just one of the reasons Mount Monadnock is among the most popular sites to hike in America and beyond, and has evoked mentions from authors such as Emerson and Thoreau. Yet there's more to Monadnock State Park. In addition to this challenging climb, some family-friendly trails and the peaceful setting of Gilson Pond expend the park visitor's demographics. And you can see the sunset from many vantage points below the top of the mountain.

Monadnock State Park occupies land that the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests has guarded for more than a century and leases to the state.

Gilson Pond is a low-elevation attraction of Monadnock State Park, and is especially beautiful in the fall.

This sunset qualifies as "spectacular," wouldn't you agree? Hikers who linger at the summit of Mount Monadnock may want to wear a headlamp on the descent.

The rock surfaces amid the trees make the hike to the top of Mount Monandock more of a climb than some visitors expect.

Trail markers are of big help to hikers, here identifying the White Dot/White Cross Trails near the summit.

Easy, flat walks are available to Monadnock State Park visitors who don't want to challenge the 3,165-foot summit of Mount Monadnock.

The Harling and Hinkley Trails cover 2.1 miles from the Gilson Pond campground and accommodate hikers of all ages.

The side effect of Monadnock State Park's popularity is a visit requires some advance planning. That should not be a deterrent, though. You'll just want to choose your starting point for a hike, whether to Mount Monadnock or elsewhere, and make a parking reservation. The $15 parking fee includes admission to the park and is required, because walk-ins are not allowed. Note also that pets are not permitted in the park. For more information about visiting, see the Monadnock State Park website.