The section from White Road to Richmond Road is 8 miles long and quite strenuous. It starts at 954', climbs to the top of Mt. Grace 1617' (1700' if you climb the tower) descends to Route 78 at about 575', then regains altitude, reaching 1280' near Richmond Road. It can be shortened by ending at Highland Falls, 5.4 miles, without greatly diminishing the experience. The first part (map at top left) is a gentle 1.5 mile walk along a large, easily followed trail. You descend from a ridge, cross a marshy area, and climb up then down a hill before reaching Northfield Road.
Once you leave the paved road you enter Mt. Grace State Forest. You cross a brook and climb to the junction with a major trail. Turn right (south) and continue along this trail until you reach the base of Little Mt. Grace. At this point the M-M makes a left up the narrow ridge leading to the top. As you ascend the ridge there are views to the west. The trail descends and then begins a steady climb to the top of Mt. Grace. At 3.4 miles you reach a clearing in the trees at the summit. There are no views until you climb the lookout tower. Once you climb the 72 steps to the top (1700') you get an unobstructed view of Mt. Monadnock and glimpses of the surrounding lowlands.
The trail descends steadly for 1.5 miles. Along the way you pass an Adirondack shelter and a spring fed brook. You reach Route 78 having descended more than 1000'. At this point you cross the road climb a short distance before crossing Winchester Road (maintained gravel) and unmaintained Robbins Road. A short distance beyond is Kidder Brook and a large power line. Just west of the trail and south of the power line the brook tumbles over a ledge to create Highland Falls, 5.4 miles.
Having experienced the highlights of this hike, you may wish to return to White Road. Unavoidably, it's a net uphill walk. The easiest route would be to retrace your steps to Robbins Road and turn right (west). The road becomes maintained before it reached Route 78. Go right on Rt.78 to the intersection of Flower Hill Road. Make a left onto this road and climb up then down the east side of Flower Hill. Follow the main road right onto Leland Road for 200 meters then right onto Northfield Road then Left onto White Road. Continue south on White Road to the M-M trail crossing.
If you continue on to Richmond Road (map at right) you will travel an additional 2.6 miles. The first half is a climb to the top of a hill then a series of three steep descents followed by equally steep climbs before reaching Richmond Road. Now, you are only a few feet from the New Hampshire border as indicated by a marker on the west side of the road to the north.
