Monadnock Region

Keene Village and Trails: Visitors to the Monadnock Region know that the hills of southwest New Hampshire can be just as beautiful as the White Mountains — just as charming and just as rugged. Hardcore trail runners can enjoy the views from the bald summit of Mount Monadnock, but the villages around the Monadnock foothills are equally enjoyable for views of warmly colored leaves. From Peterborough to Dublin, the small rural towns near Monadnock have great rolling roads for a long scenic run, but the village of Keene is our top pick for a fall run. This cool college town is a hub for art and restaurants, and it even holds a pumpkin festival in late October — prime time for leaves in southern New Hampshire. Run through town, find a nearby trail, or hop on one of two railway paths to enjoy towering views of Monadnock itself. The Cheshire Rail Trail runs for 1.2 along the Massachusetts border from Keene, and runs into the Ashuelot Rail Trail, which stretches 1.5 miles north to south along the river. The Asheulot River Park, near where they intersect, is particularly nice.

The quaint town of Peterborough is another gem of the Monadnock region. Runners can enjoy the town on 6.5 mile Common Pathway that runs from the Hancock town line to Noone Falls. MAP.